UEFA unveils new Nations League format starting in 2028

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has approved new changes to the Nations League format, set to take effect from the 2028-2029 edition. The most notable change is the reduction of the competition's tiers from four to three.

Under the new structure, the Nations League will feature only three divisions, with each of the first, second, and third tiers comprising 18 teams in the 2028-2029 season. The fourth tier will be eliminated.

The top tier will include 18 teams divided into three groups of six. Each team will play six group-stage matches—three at home and three away—against two other teams in their group.

The transition to the new system will begin with the 2026-2027 edition, when two teams will be relegated from the top tier at the end of that season, while four teams will be promoted from the second tier to the top tier.

In the second and third tiers, four teams will be relegated from each division, with four teams promoted to the higher tier. All teams currently in the fourth tier will move up to the third tier in preparation for the removal of the fourth tier starting from 2028-2029.

The new format also allows for the possibility of Russia participating in the third tier, should its suspension be lifted.

UEFA announced these changes last May, with implementation scheduled after the conclusion of Euro 2028.