The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is considering launching a Nations League in 2030 as part of a major overhaul of the qualification systems for the FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup.
As reported by İdman.Biz, citing ESPN, the proposed competition would follow a model similar to the UEFA Nations League, introducing a structured league system with promotion and relegation.
The tournament would take place every two years, with 47 national teams divided into three divisions. The top two divisions would each feature 18 teams, while the third would consist of 11 national sides.
Teams would be promoted or relegated between divisions based on their performances, creating a competitive structure designed to provide more meaningful international matches.
One of the most significant changes would involve World Cup qualification. Under the proposed system, the six highest-ranked teams in the top division would qualify directly for the tournament. The first Nations League edition linked to World Cup qualification is scheduled for the 2032/33 season.
Teams finishing seventh through tenth would compete in an additional tournament for two remaining direct qualification places. The team finishing third in that tournament would advance to the intercontinental playoffs.
The AFC also plans to integrate Asian Cup qualification into the Nations League structure from 2030, effectively combining the qualification pathways for the continent's two major international competitions.
If approved, the reform would bring Asian football closer to the competition formats already adopted in Europe and the CONCACAF region. Africa is also expected to introduce a similar tournament in 2029.
The proposed changes would represent one of the most significant transformations of Asian international football in recent decades, potentially reshaping how national teams qualify for major tournaments.
