Concacaf and UEFA are in discussions to create a combined Nations League competition that could begin as soon as the fall of 2028, sources confirmed to ESPN.
The Guardian was the first to report the discussions between the two confederations.
The talks come in the wake of FIFA‘s now aborted attempt to sell off 20% of the World Cup to outside investors, which has resulted in a push to oust FIFA president Gianni Infantino, with both UEFA and Concacaf coming out firmly against Infantino and the way he has run FIFA.
One source with knowledge of the talks, who requested anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly about the plans, emphasized that the Nations League discussions aren’t a direct result of the crisis that has engulfed FIFA, but the two confederations are now more closely aligned.
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This comes on the heels of Concacaf and UEFA signing a Memorandum of Understanding in April intended to forge closer ties in terms of development of players, coaches, referees and administrators.
In terms of format, sources stress nothing has been decided, though there have been discussions about maintaining the tiered league structure that currently exists in both tournaments. As for timing, with the 2027 Concacaf Nations League starting next month, there was no time to reconfigure the Nations League tournaments for both confederations, hence the goal of starting in the fall of 2028.
Both Concacaf and UEFA declined to comment.
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Concacaf is especially keen to be part of the revamped competition. While both confederations have had a Nations League type tournament since 2018, the Concacaf version is seen to be of greater benefit to member associations further down the FIFA rankings. Powerhouses such as Mexico and the United States are now given byes until the quarterfinals, leaving plenty of open dates to fill during FIFA international windows with friendly matches.
Prior to the formation of the Nations League, the U.S. and Mexico could count on playing European teams during those windows. With those dates now gone due to UEFA Nations League commitments, the two countries are forced to look elsewhere.
The U.S., for example, has four games scheduled during the upcoming September/October FIFA window, with two matches against Peru and Chile, and another two against Mexico and Canada. Playing in a combined Nations League would provide a higher overall standard.
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While it is possible that the promotion/relegation structure that governs movement between the tiers could result in the highest leagues dominated by UEFA teams, one source said that is an issue to be addressed “down the road.”
The focus at present is finding a format that benefits both confederations.
There are benefits for UEFA as well, primarily gaining greater access to the vast North American sports market.
