General · 21 May 2026
UEFA introduces two-tier World Cup qualifiers for 36 top teams.
World Cup qualifying matches will become more competitive for fans from 2030, as uncompetitive games are removed. UEFA is creating a two-tier system, where 36 top-ranked countries will play in League 1 and 18 lower-ranked nations in League 2. This new format, mirroring the Champions League, means all teams in League 1 will play six matches.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs
