The league phase will feature a prolonged international window from September 23 to October 5, 2026, where teams will play four matches in close succession.
The 2026/27 edition is expected to be linked to qualification for UEFA EURO 2028, giving teams a second chance to qualify through play-offs based on their Nations League results.
The league phase draw will take place in early 2026, with exact dates to be confirmed.
Finals are scheduled for June 7-15, 2027, though dates are still to be confirmed.
Spain beat Croatia in the 2022-23 final. Portugal won the inaugural tournament in 2018-19, and France won in 2020-21.
Why this matters: The UEFA Nations League provides crucial competitive matches and a pathway for teams to qualify for major tournaments like the UEFA European Championship.
The UEFA Nations League was created to provide more competitive matches for European national teams, replacing traditional friendly matches. Teams are divided into leagues (A, B, C, D) with promotion and relegation based on performance. The structure ensures that teams face opponents of similar strength, increasing the intensity and relevance of each game.
The 2026/27 edition will follow a similar format, with the league phase determining which teams advance to the knockout stages and promotion/relegation play-offs. The top teams from League A will compete in the finals in June 2027 to determine the overall champion.
League Composition (as of June 2025):
League A:: Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Serbia, Spain, Türkiye, Wales
League B:: Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Hungary, Israel, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Northern Ireland, Poland, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Scotland, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine
League C:: Albania, Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Montenegro, San Marino, Slovakia, Gibraltar/Latvia*, Malta/Luxembourg*
League D:: Andorra, Azerbaijan, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Gibraltar/Latvia*, Malta/Luxembourg*
_*To be decided via League C/D play-offs_
Historical Context:
The UEFA Nations League has seen three champions to date: Portugal (2019), France (2021), and Spain (2023). These tournaments have provided memorable moments and showcased top European talent. Spain and Portugal are now competing to become the first two-time champions.
How to Prepare: For fans, staying updated with match schedules and team compositions is key. Understanding the format and potential implications for EURO qualification can enhance the viewing experience.
Q: When does the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League start?
The league phase begins in September 2026.
Q: How does the UEFA Nations League affect EURO qualification?
Teams can gain a second chance to qualify for UEFA EURO through play-offs based on their Nations League performance.
Q: Who are the past winners of the UEFA Nations League?
Portugal (2019), France (2021), and Spain (2023).
The 2026/27 UEFA Nations League promises competitive matches and high stakes as teams vie for a chance to qualify for UEFA EURO 2028.
The extended league phase in September/October 2026 will be a crucial period for teams to secure their position.
Keep an eye on the early 2026 draw to see the league phase match-ups.
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