UEFA plans to overhaul Euro qualifiers after being criticized for being boring

UEFA is considering a major overhaul of the Euro qualifying format, as fans grow increasingly apathetic towards long, drama-free international fixtures.

Many Euro qualifying matches were criticized as boring.

Speaking at the Portugal Football 2025 Conference, President Aleksander Ceferin admitted: “Perhaps the qualifying rounds should be organised differently. We will not increase the number of matches, but we will certainly make the format more attractive. UEFA is thinking very seriously about this.”

Officials say the organization is conducting an internal review to find ways to re-engage fans. One of the ideas being discussed is to emulate the format of the Nations League or Champions League, two tournaments that are highly regarded for their competitiveness and drama.

Currently, the Nations League operates on a promotion-relegation system, while the Champions League has changed to an “open group” format with only six matches, instead of the traditional home-and-away group stage.

This change is expected to breathe new life into the qualifying rounds, which have been criticized as “boring”, especially in the context of fans becoming increasingly tired of national team training sessions – three times in just the first three months of the season.

Notably, this year's October international break will be the last under the old schedule. From 2026, FIFA will combine the September and October breaks into one three-week period, allowing teams to play four matches instead of two.

This plan not only reduces the number of disruptions to domestic seasons, but also increases the seamless experience for fans – a goal that both UEFA and FIFA are aiming for in their journey to reinvent world football.

Source: https://znews.vn/uefa-tinh-dai-tu-vong-loai-euro-vi-bi-che-nham-chan-post1592964.html