UEFA Executive Committee meeting in Thessaloniki to discuss format changes and host cities

The UEFA Executive Committee is holding a key meeting in Thessaloniki on September 15, 2026, coinciding with the centenary celebration of the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO). The primary agenda focuses on the expansion of the 'Swiss model'—already successful in the Champions League—to other international competitions, including the Nations League and the qualification stages for the Euro and the World Cup. Under this proposed system, 36 teams would compete in a single league table, with each team playing six matches (three home and three away).

Furthermore, the committee is set to finalize the host cities for various major finals scheduled for 2028 and 2029. The list of decisions includes the venues for the men's and women's Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League finals, as well as the 2027-2028 Super Cup and the 2027 Futsal Champions League final. Regulations for the 2027-2029 women's European Championship and youth tournament structures are also under review. These decisions represent a significant shift in the operational framework of European football, aiming to standardize competition formats across UEFA tournaments.