European and South American countries are set to face off against each other in the Nations League, starting from 2024. The size of the tournament will increase by ten teams since the countries from CONMEBOL will be joining.
The news comes only days after the group stage draw for the 2022/23 season of the Nations League was announced.
UEFA vice-president Zbigniew Boniek confirmed the decision with Polish outlet Meczyki,“We’ve had a meeting with CONMEBOL, the confederation for South American countries. From 2024, teams from that continent will join the competition,” Boniek said.
The idea about South American teams joining the tournament was being considered since the game between Italy and Argentina was announced, as the two winners of their respective continental cups.
How will the new Nations League play out?
Due to the Memorandum of Understanding signed between UEFA and CONMEBOL until 2028 means that all the games will take place in Europe. No European team will be sent to South America to play any games.
Of the ten total South American countries expected to participate in the Nations League, six would be integrated in League A. The top six nations according to the World Cup qualifying tables, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay, Peru and Chile will be in the first league.
On the other hand, Paraguay, Ecuador, Venezuela and Bolivia will be a part of League B. Zbigniew Boniek also mentioned that the schedule and the fixture of the new format is still being discussed with FIFA.
