<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-401418" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2022/09/UEFA-Euro-2028-expansion-1200x725.webp" alt="UEFA Euro 2028 expansion" width="1200" height="725" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div>
<p>UEFA is <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-11239119/UEFA-set-ABANDON-plans-expand-European-Championship-32-teams-2028.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly</a> ready to abandon plans of expansion for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2022/03/21/uk-and-ireland-set-to-host-euro-2028/">Euro 2028</a> to 32 teams. The tournament, hosted by <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/nations/england-national-team-tv-schedule/">England</a> and Ireland, instead sticks to the current 24-team format. Euro 2024, with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/nations/germany-national-team-tv-schedule/">Germany</a> as hosts, also uses the present format.</p>
<p>Initially, organizers prepared to expand the field of team involved in the competition. It would <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/euro-2016-tv-schedule/">not be the first time</a> in recent memory for UEFA to do this. Back before Euro 2016, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2016/07/11/euro-2016s-unlikely-champions-portugal-cap-disappointing-tournament/">UEFA expanded the competition</a> from 16 teams, which was the format for 20 years, to 24 nations. The expansion allowed teams like Iceland, Wales and Northern Ireland to have magical runs of their own.</p>
<p>UEFA workers apparently balked at the plan to expand the field. It all stems from the quality of play on the field. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2022/05/31/univision-acquires-rights-euro-2024-euro-2028/">Broadcasters</a> across Europe and the world voiced their concerns to UEFA. With the rumored expansion to 32 teams, that means 58% of the 55 UEFA sides can compete. With lesser teams involved, the quality of the overall tournament diminishes.</p>
<h3>UEFA opts against Euro 2028 expansion</h3>
<p>The governing body has also considered different adjustments to their Euros. This supposedly includes getting rid of the traditional group stage qualification phase. In its place, the competition is a straight knockout-style tournament. UEFA even mulled the idea of expanding the fairly unpopular Nations League schedule. The latter suggestion apparently did not exactly excite the broadcasters either.</p>
<div id="attachment_401166" style="width: 1210px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-401166" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-401166" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2022/09/Russia-Euro-2024-1200x725.webp" alt="Russia Euro 2024" width="1200" height="725" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-401166" class="wp-caption-text">Photo: Imago</p></div>
<p>Professional Footballers’ Association CEO Maheta Molango made his opinion on the expansion quite clear earlier this year. “This is just harming the quality of the product,’ <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-11239119/UEFA-set-ABANDON-plans-expand-European-Championship-32-teams-2028.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> Molango. “Kids do not see the best version of their idols. That’s the reality. Yes, there may be short-term financial benefit but long term we are harming the product.”</p>
<p>There are also <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2022/09/04/top-european-clubs-face-challenge-of-depth-in-condensed-season/">concerns of player burnout by the players</a> and clubs across the area. More matches mean more playing time on the pitch and less rest.</p>
<p>Although these reports surfaced on Thursday, a final official announcement on the any potential UEFA Euro 2028 expansion will be made in November.</p>
<p><em>PHOTO: Imago / ULMER Pressebildagentur</em></p>


UEFA rejects Euro 2028 expansion plan of 32 teams

Previously, UEFA planned a great expansion ahead of Euro 2028. However, the proposal to include 32 teams fell apart with no support.

UEFA rejects Euro 2028 expansion plan of 32 teams - World Soccer Talk

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UEFA rejects Euro 2028 expansion plan of 32 teams