Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Nick Ames

DARK SECRETS: Fa pushes for new tournament qualifying format amid fears process is stale | Vintage Vibes

Harry Kane leads the celebrations after England qualified for the 2026 World Cup with two qualifying matches to spare.
Harry Kane leads the celebrations after England qualified for the 2026 World Cup with two qualifying matches to spare. Photograph: Mateusz Słodkowski/Getty Images

The Football Association has thrown its weight behind plans to revamp the European qualifying format for major international tournaments amid fears the process has become stale.

Uefa is concerned that fans and broadcasters are no longer engaged by current routes to the World Cup and European ­Championship. Expanded tournaments have removed a ­considerable element of jeopardy and there is an acceptance that ­fundamental changes must be implemented to reignite interest.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.