Back to Forum

Proposed AFC/OFC Nations League Format

63 replies · 7,251 views

about 1 year ago · edited about 1 year ago · History

Fair enough really. The Socceroos haven't played anyone outside of AFC since the AWs & England in October 2023.

If Australia fail to finish 2nd in their AFC WC qualifying pool in June (top 2 teams in each pool qualify for the WC), they will have to continue playing AFC teams in the next phase of AFC WC qualifying in Sept, Oct & Nov.

So they could go 2 years not playing teams outside of AFC.

Shame though for us, no real prospect of a AFC/OFC Nations League happening.

https://www.facebook.com/aseanfootball/posts/no-plans-for-afc-national-league-in-2025earlier-reports-suggested-that-the-asian/1116896847110272/

NO PLANS FOR AFC NATIONAL LEAGUE IN 2025

Earlier reports suggested that the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) was considering introducing an Asian Nations League, modeled after UEFA’s Nations League in Europe. The idea aimed to elevate international football competition across Asia, with plans initially set to be implemented between 2025 and 2028.

However, according to our report from AFC, the idea of an Asian Nations League has been abandoned. While initial discussions about such a competition did occur, the plan was ultimately shelved.

The key reason for scrapping the proposal lies in disagreements among member nations, particularly objections from larger countries. These nations expressed a preference for playing matches against teams outside the continent rather than being confined to exclusively Asian opponents.

Permalink

7 days ago

Seems like an AFC Nations League may finally happen sometime next World Cup qualifying cycle.
Starting 2nd half of 2027? An East and West Asia split?
It might somehow tie in to their 2030 World Cup qualifying programmes, like other Confeds do.

The 4 yearly Asian Cup is in January next year. Saudi of course are the hosts. The 24 teams are already locked in, as AFC used AFC 2026 WC qualifying to finalise the 24 teams for the Asian Cup.

Previously the first 12 months or so of a WC cycle in Asia (4-5 windows) were used on Asian Cup qualifiers. So really from March 2027 onwards all the FIFA windows up to say mid 2029, will be available for a potential AFC Nations League format and/or 2030 WC qualifying.

It helps us that with the other Confeds like CONEMBOL and UEFA having their own Nations League type comps (filling up their calendars), the opportunities for likes of Socceroos, Japan, Saudi to play the high profile friendlies they seek against Argentina, Germany, England etc is now limited.

Lets hope Infantino and FIFA can somehow pressure AFC (cash or hosting incentives), into adding OFC as a tack on to any Nations League format.
OFC does bring a valuable 11 votes to any FIFA presidential election! OFC brings zero commercial value to the table, but it does bring votes.

You could have a Nations League run say March, June, Sept, Oct & then Nov windows in 2027 with finals in that Nov window.

Nations League split in regions East Asia/OFC and West Asia. Then teams in each division playing cross regional games in Nov window incl finals each division. AWs home and away against Socceroos, Sth Korea, Japan & China through 2027. Can but dream.

Then AFC WC qualifying to start in 2028.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AFC_Nations_League
On 21 December 2025, the Asian Football Confederation announced plans to introduce the AFC Nations League as part of its broader strategic efforts to strengthen national team football across the continent. The decision was made following internal consultations, and forms part of the AFC's long-term vision to improve competitive balance and increase international fixtures for its member associations. The AFC cited challenges such as limited opponent availability, rising operational costs, and the declining value of international friendly matches as key reasons for introducing a Nations League competition

This article from March this year.
https://allasianfootball.com/afc-news/afc-to-introduce-nations-league-to-enhance-development-opportunities/

Commenting on the initiative, AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John said:

“The AFC Nations League represents an important step forward in our ongoing commitment to support the development of our 47 Member Associations. By introducing a structured competition platform during the FIFA International Match Windows, with greater calendar stability and clear sporting incentives, we aim to ensure consistent access to high-quality matches while addressing logistical and cost-related challenges faced by National Teams.

“In addition to the sporting benefits, we have also seen strong interest and growing demand from our commercial partners for a Nations League-style competition, reflecting its appeal to fans, broadcasters and stakeholders alike and its ability to deliver a more compelling and marketable international football product.”

Further details regarding the competition format, timeline and implementation will be deliberated through the relevant AFC committees and stakeholder consultations and announced in due course.

Permalink

7 days ago · edited 7 days ago · History

It would be a real getting to have our cake and eat it too compromise. But far better than holding put hope for a hypothesized East/West AFC split. You'd hope NZF would be keen to push for an OFC tag-along. Remain in OFC for the highly likely WC qualification and twice decade cash injection that comes with that. While getting the chance for regular meaningful fixtures in a competitive environment. You see how battle hardened the Socceroos are from exposure since joinijg AFC and I'd hazard a guess its the biggest hindrance stopping our lot from reaching their true potential.

Permalink

Endorsed by

7 days ago · edited 7 days ago · History

Totally this.

Get to see our the AWs play 4-6 competitive Nations League games at home and/or in a favourable Aussie/East Asian time zone.

But stay in OFC and keep the very generous WC qualification pathways (senior & age group).

Thereby getting the 4 yearly likely FIFA mens WC/WWC qualification slush funds (may get up to $20M AWs & Ferns combined??) - that NZF so keenly want/need to fund football in NZ.

It's the dream scenario. Hopefully Pragnell and the OFC honchos can sweet talk FIFA and AFC.

Permalink

7 days ago

Being in an AFC Nations League would be terrific but would be a level down from World Cup qualifiers. They are not that much more than glorified friendlies.

Permalink

7 days ago

imanixsupporter wrote:
Being in an AFC Nations League would be terrific but would be a level down from World Cup qualifiers. They are not that much more than glorified friendlies.

All depends on how it's implemented. If there are other implications for the results, eg Sweden getting through to the UEFA playoffs because of their nations league results, then it could be quite important for some tier 2 Asian teams. The problem would be how do we fit in that system, being from a different confederation - probably not viable.

Regardless, playing the big three of East Asian football regularly would me massive for us, even if they don't particularly care. China, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, etc all continue to pump money into football and will no doubt get better. Would be the absolute dream.

Annual finals disappointment enthusiast.

Permalink

Endorsed by

6 days ago

if we can negotiate this it becomes a best of both worlds set up!
extra game time for the AW's, potentially more home games as well.
plus keeping the almost guaranteed WC money!

Queenslander 3x a year.

Permalink

6 days ago

AFC will only agree to this if it means that our guaranteed WC slot goes to a playoff with an AFC.

Sorry to be a downer, but more realistically, unless we join AFC, this has no benefit to AFC in any way you look at it.

Some countries don't even want Australia in AFC.

Permalink

6 days ago

if that becomes an AFC concern, which you're right it would be, the I can see OFC declining the offer.

Queenslander 3x a year.

Permalink

6 days ago

observerfromuh wrote:
AFC will only agree to this if it means that our guaranteed WC slot goes to a playoff with an AFC.

Sorry to be a downer, but more realistically, unless we join AFC, this has no benefit to AFC in any way you look at it.

Some countries don't even want Australia in AFC.

100% will need to be some incentive for AFC for them to even consider, letting in the OFC teams for some sort of combined Nations League.

Likely you'd think that OFC wouldn't agree to give up their newly created automatic WC spot. Though the other OFC countries may see the AWs as having a mortgage on that automatic spot, and not really care if it was moved into some sort of combined AFC-OFC WC qualifying. That's if in exchange they were given continous competitive matches against AFC teams, and maybe some AFC dosh.

And really we have no idea what sort of back room deals are happening at FIFA. These days every 2nd FIFA event seems to being held in either Saudi or Qatar. Lots of internal FIFA power broking stuff going on you feel.

Infantino has openly stated he wants the smaller nations playing more football games. That includes OFC and all it's minnows. The different Confederation Nations League concepts are in a way his baby. It's useful way for him to court votes from all the minnow countries.

He may try to somehow leverage The Middle Eastern countries (who seem to control AFC??) to accept the OFC countries as part of some sort of backroom deal.

Plus the strong performance of New Caledonia in their Jamaica playoff, and AWs against Iran won't have gone unnoticed in Zürich.

Permalink

6 days ago

coochiee wrote:
observerfromuh wrote:
AFC will only agree to this if it means that our guaranteed WC slot goes to a playoff with an AFC.

Sorry to be a downer, but more realistically, unless we join AFC, this has no benefit to AFC in any way you look at it.

Some countries don't even want Australia in AFC.
100% will need to be some incentive for AFC for them to even consider, letting in the OFC teams for some sort of combined Nations League.

Likely you'd think that OFC wouldn't agree to give up their newly created automatic WC spot. Though the other OFC countries may see the AWs as having a mortgage on that automatic spot, and not really care if it was moved into some sort of combined AFC-OFC WC qualifying. That's if in exchange they were given continous competitive matches against AFC teams, and maybe some AFC dosh.

And really we have no idea what sort of back room deals are happening at FIFA. These days every 2nd FIFA event seems to being held in either Saudi or Qatar. Lots of internal FIFA power broking stuff going on you feel.

Infantino has openly stated he wants the smaller nations playing more football games. That includes OFC and all it's minnows. The different Confederation Nations League concepts are in a way his baby. It's useful way for him to court votes from all the minnow countries.

He may try to somehow leverage The Middle Eastern countries (who seem to control AFC??) to accept the OFC countries as part of some sort of backroom deal.

Plus the strong performance of New Caledonia in their Jamaica playoff, and AWs against Iran won't have gone unnoticed in Zürich.

I think the guaranteed spot will be up for revision in the 2034 if the AWs have no problems qualifying for 2030.

If he wants Oceanian countries not named NZ playing more football, the best way would to geographically do West Asia and East Asia + Oceania.

This probably would keep the ME countries happy as they seem to think they are above a lot of the Eastern Asian countries.

I'll call a spade a spade, and as it stands there is no benefit whatsoever from an AFC stand point to let OFC teams compete so this will not happen. Imagine convincing Saudi and Oman to play in Vanuatu and Samoa

Permalink

6 days ago · edited 6 days ago · History

I think any potential combined AFC-OFC Nations League would be split East and West.

Plus you have different divisions, with pro/rel between the different levels same as the other the Confeds have. There is no way with that format that Saudi, Oman or even Japan are playing in Port Vila.

Cambodia, Mynamar, Guam or the Philippines yes.

Basically you hope like hell, Pragnell and other NZF staffers are currently using their time in those FIFA suites, negotiating on some sort of plan for the AWs to play tough competitive games this next WC cycle. Next year's rumoured expanded 24 team (so about 8 invitation countries) CONCACAF Gold Cup another idea.

This team and it's fans deserves more than friendlies & the dull as OFC qualifiers.

Permalink

6 days ago

Couple of years back I mooted inviting and adding OFC members from east Asia, rather than hoping for a defined AFC regional split. Still think it has exploration value as a proactive step when compared to hoping Infantino's FIFA does something...

Permalink

Endorsed by

2 days ago · edited 2 days ago · History

I don't know if anyone's been keeping up with the Between Two Man Feelings' coverage of the world cup but they had Andrew Pragnell on today's episode. He did spend a moment, I'd almost argue unprompted, on the matter of the All Whites and the lack of competitive fixtures. He name dropped the Gold Cup specifically. As well as the south american one. Really nice to hear that it's not just fan hypothetical scenarios run wild and there is actually a bit of ambition on the other side of the fax machine with this stuff. NZF are aware that the current OFC model of breezing through a short qualifier and then trying our best to make context out of friendlies is not fit for purpose and isn't doing justice to the talent we have at our disposal. While he stopped short of conceding it'd be worth dropping the cash drop from an automatic WC qualification for more regular worthwhile exposure for the AW's, he acknowledged they need to explore an alternative in the next window. They recognize the best shot they have is a higher ranking to afford a higher seeding come World Cup draw time and they arent going to get that with the current system and they are going to be exploring options in Asia and the Americas to better position themselves. Sounds like a massive "watch this space." And after the heartbreak of the seocnd half today it does give me pause for hope.

Permalink

Endorsed by

2 days ago · edited 2 days ago · History

Nice to hear.
I actually spam emailed Pragnell last week! Tried 3 different variations at an email guess, and seems one worked as only 2 bounced back.

My email was a short ramble about this very issue, with mention of the 2027 CONCACAF Gold Cup and potential AFC Nations League launch.

Maybe just maybe he had a read. Pragnell's chat with Seamus & Steve here.
AP says he had a meeting with Infantino post the Iran game.

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/player/tvepisode/between-two-goals-s1-e15-hours-to-kick-off

Permalink

2 days ago

It's a catch 22 situation for NZ Football, you rot in OFC and qualify for every WC with a glimmer of a hope that they get a win in a WC or you move to AFC and get decent opposition for most windows.

The only negative of us leaving OFC is that it may end the confederation overnight.

Permalink

2 days ago · edited 2 days ago · History

observerfromuh wrote:
It's a catch 22 situation for NZ Football, you rot in OFC and qualify for every WC with a glimmer of a hope that they get a win in a WC or you move to AFC and get decent opposition for most windows.

The only negative of us leaving OFC is that it may end the confederation overnight.

There are also 17 million ($USD12.5M) other negatives of leaving OFC, and the easy WC qualifying route.

Without that cash, all our national teams will be playing less. Certainly not all FIFA windows.

Listening to Pragnell now alot of that cash is being earmarked for improving facilities in NZ. Plus trying to plug the gaps that an ever shrinking number of volunteers at grass roost level, just can't do on their own.

And a little tease 'looking forward to announcing some big AWs games later this year'.
Guessing a H&A Soccer Ashes might happen. The NZ game at Te Kaha??

Permalink

2 days ago · edited 2 days ago · History

observerfromuh wrote:
It's a catch 22 situation for NZ Football, you rot in OFC and qualify for every WC with a glimmer of a hope that they get a win in a WC or you move to AFC and get decent opposition for most windows.

The only negative of us leaving OFC is that it may end the confederation overnight.

It wouldn't be in NZF's nature but it might be better to charge on with a rip the band-aid off/force FIFA's hand approach. Actively make noise about AFC. Back ourselves to reap the commerical oppurtunties and also to actually harden ourselves up and nab one of those AFC qualifier spots. Maybe the first cycle New Caledonia gets a crack at being the Capo Verde-esque darlings of the 2030 world cup, or more realistically they flop and OFC folds and merges into AFC but brings with it one valuable extra qualification spot, as well as the additional half spot entry into intercontinental playoff.

It's a joke of a confederation that isn't fit for purpose in the modern footballing landscape (if it ever was?) Utter nonsense like having the qualifier fall outside of thr international window last cycle is testament to that

Permalink

Endorsed by

1 day ago

There has been a lot of chat in Europe football press about Federations and WC qualifying. The Asian Confed has been labelled FIFAs problem child.
Lots of fallout from the east Asian powerhouses like Japan and Sth Korea about how the rich Middle East oil countries have highjacked the Confed.
Also there is heavy lobbying from the big ASEAN group especially from ambitious Indonesia and Vietnam. They see no way of ever getting to the WC.
FIFA always follows the money. They would love to have some of the big populous wealthy SE Asian countries involved at the WC
I guess NZ will be affected by powerful currents that we have little control over.
A simple short term fix for us might be to join the ASEAN group and play in their tournement. We used to play lots of games there. But i suspect that bigger events are likely to unfold before the next WC

Permalink

Endorsed by

1 day ago · edited 1 day ago · History

The AFC bias towards Saudi and Qatar is getting to crazy levels. It’s no wonder Japan and Indonesia are getting pissed off

AFC Champions League final was a single leg hosted in Saudi won by a Saudi club in which the J League club lost (club Harry Kewell coaches?) with a controversial moment favouring the Saudi club. Or maybe that was the final in 2025?

Then final phases of WC qualifying, Saudi and Qatar get to host all the games, plus have 1 week between their games. The other 4 teams including Indonesia had to travel plus play both their matches within 4 days

It’s just so obvious that AFC/FIFA want Saudi and Qatar at the WC. That garbage would never happen in UEFA where it’s neutral venues or playoffs over 2 legs, so it’s no wonder it’s been commented on.

Plus there are forces within UEFA who want Infantino gone

It’s yes an all watch this space for little ole OFC and NZF.

Edit -
1. 2023-24 AFC Champions League Final. Yokohama F. Marinos head coach Harry Kewell faced severe controversy during the against Al Ain. After holding a 2-1 first-leg advantage, Kewell's side was heavily defeated 5-1 in the second leg (6-3 on aggregate), prompting him to slam the officiating and declare his team had been "robbed". Uzbek ref.

2. 2024-25 AFC Champions League Elite

The quarter-finals, semi-finals and final, all as single-legged ties, were all held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from 25 April to 3 May 2025.

Al-Ahli (Saudi) beat Japan's Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 in the final. Qatari ref

3. 2025-26 AFC Champions League Elite
The quarter-finals, semi-finals and final, all as single-legged ties, were all held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia between 16 and 25 April 2026.

Al-Ahli beat Japan's Machida Zelvia 1-0 in the final, after ET. Uzbek ref.

Permalink

Endorsed by

1 day ago

I wonder if they could use a hub system for a lower tier OFC/AFC Nations League. Though that wouldn’t get home games to the islands…but it wouldn’t interfere with Saudi, Japan, Korea or Australia…though maybe one better opponent home and away for the top team?

And it’s currently 1 and a half spots? Half a spot too much to give away?

Again, somewhat a bad deal for the island teams…

Tbf Infantino has been good for the islands. Pro-league and half a World Cup spot.

Permalink

1 day ago

I think the current system is as good as it gets for us at the moment.

The bottom line is we have found with most of our top players in Europe and the fact distance wise we are at the bottom of the earth away from there, that we are very accommodating to players clubs. Some would say we have been too accommodating.

Can’t see players and clubs being rapt about having to travel from Europe to NZ to play Vietnam and Indonesia.

So a mixture of games in Europe, the Middle East and North America with the odd game in NZ, is not so bad (provided we are using the windows)

We have the two pro clubs in NZ to keep the live football vibe going.

Auckland will rise once more

Permalink

1 day ago

I think the majority of AWs players would be happy to long haul travel, to play some competitive games in NZ.
Obviously they would be more motivated to play the likes of Japan, Socceroos and Sth Korea than Vietnam. Though both them and Indonesia (lots of Dutch based players) are improving.

You give the players minimum premium economy (maybe business class after the gig WC cash windfall) and host any mid winter games under the roof at Te Kaha. I'm sure the players will love playing a few games there.

And any combined AFC-OFC Nations League would finish the end of 2027 (so only 4-5 windows max).
AFC 2030 WC qualifying likely needs to start no later than the March 2028 window.

CONCACAF Gold Cups are biennial - June 2027 & 2029 in the next WC cycle - so that would be a great comp to be a regular invitation team for.
Nice time zone as well for AWs fans.

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 19 hours ago · edited about 19 hours ago · History

coochiee wrote:
The AFC bias towards Saudi and Qatar is getting to crazy levels. It’s no wonder Japan and Indonesia are getting pissed off

AFC Champions League final was a single leg hosted in Saudi won by a Saudi club in which the J League club lost (club Harry Kewell coaches?) with a controversial moment favouring the Saudi club. Or maybe that was the final in 2025?

Then final phases of WC qualifying, Saudi and Qatar get to host all the games, plus have 1 week between their games. The other 4 teams including Indonesia had to travel plus play both their matches within 4 days

It’s just so obvious that AFC/FIFA want Saudi and Qatar at the WC. That garbage would never happen in UEFA where it’s neutral venues or playoffs over 2 legs, so it’s no wonder it’s been commented on.

Plus there are forces within UEFA who want Infantino gone

It’s yes an all watch this space for little ole OFC and NZF.

Edit -
1. 2023-24 AFC Champions League Final. Yokohama F. Marinos head coach Harry Kewell faced severe controversy during the against Al Ain. After holding a 2-1 first-leg advantage, Kewell's side was heavily defeated 5-1 in the second leg (6-3 on aggregate), prompting him to slam the officiating and declare his team had been "robbed". Uzbek ref.

2. 2024-25 AFC Champions League Elite
The quarter-finals, semi-finals and final, all as single-legged ties, were all held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from 25 April to 3 May 2025.

Al-Ahli (Saudi) beat Japan's Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 in the final. Qatari ref

3. 2025-26 AFC Champions League Elite
The quarter-finals, semi-finals and final, all as single-legged ties, were all held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia between 16 and 25 April 2026.

Al-Ahli beat Japan's Machida Zelvia 1-0 in the final, after ET. Uzbek ref.

At this point Infantino makes Blatter look like a saint.

Infantino defended USA immigration laws and said it's not FIFA's role to dictate them but removed Indonesia as the hosts of the U20 WC in 2023 because Indonesia opposed Israel's participation.

He needs to go.

Permalink

Endorsed by

Back to All Whites, Ferns, and other international teams Forum Home Back to top