International football’s calendar could be set for another major shift from 2030, with the Asian Football Confederation weighing a Nations League format that would reshape its routes to both the World Cup and the Asian Cup.
A three-tier competition proposed for 2030
The planned tournament would be staged every two years and bring AFC member nations into a league system split across three divisions. It would follow the model already used in Europe and due to be introduced in Africa from 2029, while Concacaf also has its own Nations League competition.
- The top division would contain 18 national teams.
- The second division would also feature 18 sides.
- The third tier would include 11 nations.
- Automatic promotion and relegation would operate between the divisions.
The competition would replace part of the existing qualifying structure, rather than merely adding another international tournament to an already crowded programme.
World Cup places linked to league standings
In editions tied to World Cup qualification, the Nations League would determine Asia’s qualifying places. The first such campaign is expected to take place in 2032-33.
- The six highest-ranked teams in the top division would secure direct qualification for the World Cup.
- Sides finishing between seventh and 10th would enter a further tournament for two remaining direct places.
- The top two teams from that mini-tournament would qualify for the World Cup.
- The third-placed side would move into an intercontinental play-off.
The proposal would give the strongest Asian teams a clearer league-based path, while leaving the nations immediately below them to fight for the final qualification spots.
Asian Cup qualification also set to change
The same structure would also be used for Asian Cup qualification from 2030. That would make the proposed Nations League the central competition in Asia’s international cycle, carrying consequences for promotion battles, relegation fights and qualification for the continent’s two biggest national-team events.
