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UEFA Proposes 36-Team 2030 World Cup Revamp

5/21/2026

Summary

UEFA Revamps

UEFA proposed a revamp of the 2030 World Cup and 2032 Euros.
The plan creates a top tier of 36 teams in three groups of 12, each playing six matches, and a secondary tier for teams 37-55 with a playoff path.
UEFA will decide on the revamp in September despite CONMEBOL’s 64-team World Cup demand.
The 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, giving Europe 16 slots.

Summary

UEFA Reshapes League

The Nations League will shift to three leagues of 18 teams each, with three groups of six, starting 2028-29.
Cristiano Ronaldo was confirmed in Portugal’s squad for his sixth World Cup.
Neymar was called a key player by Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Aleksander Ceferin, UEFA president, said the new qualification system will improve balance and cut dead matches.

Summary

UEFA Sets Qualifiers

UEFA's executive committee will decide on the revised qualifying format at its Thessaloniki meeting on 15 September.
Smaller football associations said the new format reduces their chances of high-profile matches.
Russia’s possible reinstatement could expand League 2 groups to seven teams, altering schedules for lower-ranked nations.
Host nations will still compete in qualifiers despite automatic World Cup or Euro berths, keeping competitive involvement.

History

Historical Context

In 1998 FIFA expanded the World Cup from 24 to 32 teams, staging 64 matches across ten French cities from 10 June to 12 July. The expansion increased the tournament size and set a precedent for enlarging elite competitions. UEFA’s current plan for a 36-team top tier with a secondary division echoes that 1998 shift, aiming to widen participation while keeping a high-level competition.

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UEFA Revamps

UEFA proposed a revamp of the 2030 World Cup and 2032 Euros.
The plan creates a top tier of 36 teams in three groups of 12, each playing six matches, and a secondary tier for teams 37-55 with a playoff path.
UEFA will decide on the revamp in September despite CONMEBOL’s 64-team World Cup demand.
The 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, giving Europe 16 slots.

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