AFC Plans New Nations League From 2030 to Replace Friendlies and Shape World Cup Qualifying

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) wants to launch a Nations League that runs every two years, starting in 2030. 

The plan would cut out weak friendlies and feed straight into qualification for the World Cup and the Asian Cup.

The draft proposal, seen by ESPN, has been shared with member associations. It splits Asia's 47 nations into three tiers. The top two tiers would have 18 teams each, and the third would have 11. The AFC looked at a standalone tournament but dropped the idea because of the cost and a crowded calendar.

In the World Cup editions, which start in 2032-33, each tier-one team would play six home and six away games. The top six finishers would qualify for the World Cup automatically. Teams that finish seventh to tenth would go into a round-robin playoff for the remaining places. The top two and bottom two teams in each tier would be promoted or relegated.

AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John explained the thinking in a statement on 21 December 2025. "By introducing a structured competition platform during FIFA windows, we aim to ensure consistent access to high-quality matches," he said. He added that there is "strong interest and growing demand from commercial partners for a Nations League-style competition."

A trial run is planned for 2028-29 to ease the switch. Instead of FIFA rankings, results from joint qualifiers would decide which tier each team starts in, which the AFC says is fairer for all associations.

The Asian Cup editions, starting in 2030, would give all tier-one sides and the top six teams from tier two a place at the continental finals. The top eight in tier one would also play a knockout stage to crown an overall champion.

The AFC will now take the full plan to its committees and member associations to settle the details. It says the aim is to keep logistics simple and give teams matches against similar opponents in every FIFA window.