UEFA has recently unveiled their proposed format for the qualification stage of the 2026 World Cup, which is set to be the largest and most expansive edition of the tournament to date. With the United States, Mexico, and Canada jointly hosting the event, the number of participating teams will rise by a staggering 50%, accommodating a total of 48 teams.
Out of the 16 additional spots, UEFA has been granted three, granting an opportunity for 16 European nations to compete in the 2026 World Cup. With this exciting development, UEFA has now disclosed the qualifying structure they plan to implement in the lead-up to the tournament.
During the previous edition of the World Cup in Qatar, UEFA qualification involved ten groups consisting of five or six countries each. The group winners advanced to the final tournament, while the remaining three places were determined through a play-off round involving 12 teams.
The suggested new format proposes an increase in the number of groups from ten to 12, although the size of each group would be reduced to four or five teams. Consequently, this would lead to a decrease in the number of qualifying matches.
Under this proposed system, all 12 group winners would secure automatic qualification for the World Cup. Meanwhile, the 12 runners-up would proceed to a play-off round. Joining them would be the four highest-ranked teams from the 2024/25 Nations League campaign, provided they did not finish within the top two positions in their qualifying groups.
The 16 teams involved in the play-offs would be divided into four paths. Each team would engage in a single-legged semi-final match, with the victorious teams advancing to a single-legged final. Ultimately, the four winners of the play-offs would earn their coveted spots in the tournament.
UEFA’s suggested qualification format not only aims to streamline the process but also adds an extra layer of excitement to the road to the 2026 World Cup. This new structure will undoubtedly offer a thrilling and fiercely competitive qualification campaign for European nations, as they vie for the chance to showcase their skills on the grandest stage of international football.
