2026/27 UEFA Nations League Guide: Groups, Fixtures, Live Streams, Tickets & Venues

The 2026/27 UEFA Nations League is almost here — and this edition could be one of the most interesting yet. 🔥

Europe's national teams return to competitive action in September 2026 for the fifth edition of the UEFA Nations League, with 54 participating UEFA national associations divided across four leagues.

And there is plenty to get excited about.

The 2026/27 edition features heavyweight groups such as England, Spain, Croatia and Czechia, a fascinating Germany vs Netherlands rivalry, a stacked France–Italy–Belgium–Türkiye group, and reigning champions Portugal beginning their title defence against Denmark, Norway and Wales.

There is also a bigger story behind this tournament: 2026/27 is the final Nations League edition under UEFA's current four-league structure. From 2028/29, UEFA plans to move to a new three-league system featuring 18 teams in each league.

So, if you're wondering what the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League is, when the matches are played, which teams are in each group, how the format works, how promotion and relegation are decided, where to watch, how the finals work, how the tournament connects to EURO 2028, and what changes after 2027 — you've come to the right place.

⚡ Quick answer: The 2026/27 UEFA Nations League is the fifth edition of UEFA's men's national-team competition. The league phase runs from 24 September to 17 November 2026, followed by the League A quarter-finals and promotion/relegation play-offs in March 2027. The four-team Nations League Finals are scheduled for 9–13 June 2027.

📋 2026/27 UEFA Nations League at a Glance

UEFA's official schedule confirms that the league phase is played across six matchdays from September through November 2026. Matchdays 1–4 are compressed into the September/early October international window, while Matchdays 5 and 6 take place in November.

🤔 What Is the UEFA Nations League?

The UEFA Nations League is a competitive international tournament for Europe's men's national teams.

UEFA created the competition to reduce the number of relatively meaningless international friendlies and replace some of them with competitive matches between nations of broadly similar sporting levels.

The tournament is divided into four leagues:

• 🥇 League A — the top tier

• 🥈 League B

• 🥉 League C

• 🏅 League D — the lowest tier

Teams can move between the leagues through promotion and relegation, while League A teams also compete for the Nations League trophy.

That gives the competition several different storylines at once.

For Europe's biggest football nations, the objective is to win the title. For teams in the middle tiers, promotion can provide the opportunity to play stronger opponents in future editions. For teams near the bottom, avoiding relegation can be just as important as winning the group.

That competitive ladder is one of the reasons the Nations League has become a significant part of the European international calendar.

📅 When Is the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League?

The 2026/27 Nations League begins on 24 September 2026.

The league phase is divided into six matchdays.

League Phase

One unusual detail is Matchday 3.

Wednesday, 30 September 2026 is not normally part of a standard UEFA Week of Football, but UEFA has allowed it to be used exceptionally for Nations League fixtures.

After the league phase, the competition moves into its knockout and promotion/relegation stages.

🗓️ March 2027

• League A quarter-finals

• League A/B promotion/relegation play-offs

• League B/C promotion/relegation play-offs

These are scheduled for 25–30 March 2027.

🗓️ June 2027

The Nations League Finals are scheduled for 9–13 June 2027.

The Finals feature:

• Two semi-finals

• Third-place match

• Final

The semi-finals, third-place match and final are single-leg matches at venues designated by the UEFA Executive Committee.

🗓️ March 2028

The League C/D play-offs are scheduled for 23–28 March 2028.

This is unusual because the C/D play-offs are separated from the other Nations League play-offs by a full year.

There is a specific reason for this: the League C/D play-offs are scheduled around the EURO 2028 qualification play-off calendar.

🏆 2026/27 UEFA Nations League Groups

The 54 participating associations are divided into four leagues.

Leagues A, B and C each contain 16 teams, divided into four groups of four.

League D contains six teams, divided into two groups of three.

🥇 League A

League A is where the trophy race takes place, and there is no shortage of blockbuster groups.

Group A1 contains France, Italy and Belgium.

Group A3 could be considered the group of death, with Spain, England and Croatia joined by Czechia.

Portugal's Group A4 is also intriguing, particularly with Norway returning to the top tier and bringing Erling Haaland back onto the Nations League's biggest stage.

🥈 League B

League B is particularly interesting because the group winners are automatically promoted to League A, while the runners-up and third-placed teams can enter promotion/relegation play-offs.

🥉 League C

League C provides another important promotion opportunity.

The four group winners move directly into League B, while the two lowest-ranked fourth-placed teams are relegated to League D.

🏅 League D

League D is the only league with three-team groups.

Each team plays four league-phase matches rather than six.

The two group winners are promoted directly to League C.

⚙️ How Does the 2026/27 Nations League Format Work?

The basic concept is simple:

Win your group and you can move up. Finish near the bottom and you risk going down.

League A adds another layer because the top two teams in each group qualify for the quarter-finals and remain in contention for the trophy.

League A, B and C

Each group contains four teams.

Every team plays:

• Three home matches

• Three away matches

• Six matches in total

Each team therefore plays every other team in its group twice.

League D

League D contains two groups of three.

Each team plays:

• Two home matches

• Two away matches

• Four matches in total

This makes League D the shortest league phase.

🎯 What Happens to the League A Group Winners?

The top two teams from each League A group qualify for the quarter-finals.

That means:

• 4 group winners

• 4 runners-up

• 8 quarter-finalists

The four League A group winners are seeded for the quarter-final draw.

Each group winner is drawn against a runner-up from a different group.

The League A runners-up host the first leg, while the group winners host the second leg.

The quarter-finals are played over two legs in March 2027.

The four aggregate winners advance to the Nations League Finals.

The route to the trophy is therefore:

League phase → Quarter-finals → Semi-finals → Final

🔥 How Do the Nations League Quarter-Finals Work?

The quarter-finals are two-legged knockout ties.

Each tie consists of:

• First leg

• Second leg

• Aggregate score

The four group winners are seeded.

Each is drawn against a runner-up from another League A group.

The runner-up hosts the first leg, while the group winner hosts the return leg.

If the aggregate score is level after the second leg, the tie goes to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shoot-out.

There is no away-goals advantage.

The four winners qualify for the June Nations League Finals.

🏟️ How Do the Nations League Finals Work?

The Nations League Finals are a four-team final tournament.

They consist of:

• Semi-final 1

• Semi-final 2

• Third-place match

• Final

Unlike the quarter-finals, these matches are all single-leg fixtures.

The two semi-final winners meet in the final.

The two semi-final losers meet in the third-place match.

The winner of the final is crowned the UEFA Nations League champion.

🏟️ What About the 2027 Finals Host?

UEFA's initial 2026/27 competition overview did not confirm the host arrangements for the Finals.

Under the regulations, the semi-finals, third-place match and final are played at stadiums designated by the UEFA Executive Committee.

Therefore, fans planning a trip should wait for UEFA's official venue announcement rather than relying on old Nations League Finals pages from previous editions.

🔄 Promotion and Relegation Explained

Promotion and relegation are among the most important parts of the Nations League.

The 2026/27 system works as follows.

This creates a promotion/relegation ladder across the competition.

🥇 League A

• Group winners → Quarter-finals

• Runners-up → Quarter-finals

• Third-placed teams → League A/B play-offs

• Fourth-placed teams → Automatically relegated to League B

🥈 League B

• Group winners → Automatically promoted to League A

• Runners-up → League A/B play-offs

• Third-placed teams → League B/C play-offs

• Fourth-placed teams → Automatically relegated to League C

🥉 League C

• Group winners → Automatically promoted to League B

• Runners-up → League B/C play-offs

• Two best-ranked fourth-placed teams → League C/D play-offs

• Two lowest-ranked fourth-placed teams → Automatically relegated to League D

🏅 League D

• Group winners → Automatically promoted to League C

• Runners-up → League C/D play-offs

⚔️ How Do the Promotion/Relegation Play-Offs Work?

There are three different play-off levels.

League A/B Play-Offs

The four third-placed teams from League A play the four runners-up from League B.

The teams from League A are seeded.

The teams from League B host the first legs.

The four winners play in League A in the next edition.

The four defeated teams play in League B.

League B/C Play-Offs

The four third-placed teams from League B play the four runners-up from League C.

Again, the higher-league teams are seeded, while the lower-league teams host the first legs.

The four winners play in League B.

The four defeated teams play in League C.

League C/D Play-Offs

This is the most unusual play-off.

Only the two best-ranked fourth-placed teams from League C enter the play-offs.

They play the two League D runners-up.

The League D teams host the first legs.

The winners remain or move into League C.

The losers play in League D in the next edition.

There is also an important EURO 2028-related provision: if a team due to participate in the League C/D play-offs qualifies for the EURO 2028 European Qualifier play-offs, the League C/D play-offs are not played and UEFA's ranking rules determine the league allocations.

📊 How Are Teams Ranked If They Finish Level on Points?

This is one of the areas where it is important not to rely on older Nations League rules.

For the 2026/27 competition, UEFA applies the following criteria when teams in the same group finish level on points:

1. Higher number of points obtained in matches between the teams concerned

2. Superior goal difference in those matches

3. Higher number of goals scored in those matches

4. If necessary, criteria 1–3 are reapplied exclusively to the remaining tied teams

5. Superior overall group goal difference

6. Higher overall goals scored

7. Higher overall away goals scored

8. Higher number of overall wins

9. Higher number of overall away wins

10. Lower disciplinary-points total

11. Higher position in the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League access list

So, importantly, the current regulations do not use away goals scored in the head-to-head matches as a separate fourth criterion.

The disciplinary calculation is based on yellow and red cards received by players and team officials.

🗓️ Complete 2026/27 Nations League Schedule

UEFA's official fixture list provides the complete schedule, including kick-off times.

The standard UEFA reference is CET, and many matches are scheduled for 20:45, although numerous fixtures have earlier kick-offs.

Here are some of the biggest League A fixtures.

Matchday 1 — 24–26 September 2026

Thursday, 24 September

• Netherlands vs Germany

• Serbia vs Greece

• Norway vs Denmark

• Portugal vs Wales

Friday, 25 September

• Italy vs Belgium

• Türkiye vs France

Saturday, 26 September

• Czechia vs Croatia

• England vs Spain

The headline game is undoubtedly England vs Spain, a rematch of the UEFA EURO 2024 final.

Matchday 2 — 27–29 September 2026

Important League A fixtures include:

• Serbia vs Netherlands

• Germany vs Greece

• Norway vs Portugal

• Denmark vs Wales

• Belgium vs France

• Türkiye vs Italy

• Czechia vs England

• Spain vs Croatia

The first four matchdays are packed into an unusually short period, so squads will be tested for depth, fitness and consistency almost immediately.

Matchday 3 — 30 September–3 October 2026

Key League A matches include:

• Germany vs Serbia

• Greece vs Netherlands

• Denmark vs Portugal

• Wales vs Norway

• France vs Italy

• Belgium vs Türkiye

• Croatia vs England

• Spain vs Czechia

The standout fixture is France vs Italy.

Matchday 4 — 4–6 October 2026

Key games include:

• Greece vs Germany

• Netherlands vs Serbia

• Portugal vs Norway

• Wales vs Denmark

• France vs Belgium

• Italy vs Türkiye

• Croatia vs Spain

• England vs Czechia

By the end of Matchday 4, the League A tables could already have taken shape.

Matchday 5 — 12–14 November 2026

The November window features several important games:

• Italy vs France — 12 November

• England vs Croatia — 12 November

• Türkiye vs Belgium — 12 November

• Portugal vs Denmark — 14 November

• Norway vs Wales — 14 November

Matchday 6 — 15–17 November 2026

The league phase concludes with:

• Belgium vs Italy — 15 November

• France vs Türkiye — 15 November

• Spain vs England — 15 November

• Croatia vs Czechia — 15 November

• Germany vs Netherlands — 16 November

• Greece vs Serbia — 16 November

• Denmark vs Norway — 17 November

• Wales vs Portugal — 17 November

The final matchday could therefore contain decisive battles for quarter-final qualification, promotion and relegation.

👀 The Biggest Matches to Watch

If you don't have time to watch every Nations League fixture, these are some of the games I would circle on the calendar.

🇳🇱 Netherlands vs 🇩🇪 Germany — 24 September

The competition starts with a heavyweight European rivalry.

It is one of the headline games of Matchday 1 and also features two new managerial eras.

🏴 England vs 🇪🇸 Spain — 26 September

This might be the most eye-catching fixture of the entire league phase.

Why?

Because it is a rematch of the UEFA EURO 2024 final.

England and Spain will meet again at the start of the 2026/27 Nations League campaign.

And they will meet again on the final matchday in November.

🇧🇪 Belgium vs 🇫🇷 France — 28 September

Two European heavyweights meet in Brussels in Matchday 2.

The return fixture is:

France vs Belgium — 5 October

That means the two teams meet twice within the opening four matchdays.

🇫🇷 France vs 🇮🇹 Italy — 2 October

Another heavyweight European matchup.

The reverse fixture is:

Italy vs France — 12 November

The November meeting could be especially important if Group A1 remains close.

🇵🇹 Portugal vs 🇩🇰 Denmark — 14 November

Portugal enter the tournament as defending champions.

Denmark could provide one of their biggest tests in Group A4.

🇩🇪 Germany vs 🇳🇱 Netherlands — 16 November

The reverse fixture arrives on the final matchday.

If Group A2 remains undecided, this could be an enormous conclusion to the league phase.

⭐ Players and Storylines to Watch

🇳🇴 Erling Haaland and Norway's Return to League A

Norway return to League A after promotion.

And they bring one of international football's most prolific scorers with them.

According to UEFA, Erling Haaland has 19 Nations League goals, four more than the next player on the all-time list heading into the 2026/27 edition.

Norway's Group A4 opponents are:

• Portugal

• Denmark

• Wales

That gives Haaland several high-profile matches in which to add to his Nations League record.

🇸🇪 Viktor Gyökeres and Sweden

Sweden also move up the Nations League ladder after promotion from League C.

Viktor Gyökeres was the top scorer in the 2024/25 Nations League, and Sweden now enter League B.

Their Group B4 opponents are:

• Poland

• Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Romania

It will be interesting to see whether Sweden can immediately establish themselves at the higher level.

🏆 Portugal Begin Their Title Defence

Portugal are the reigning Nations League champions.

They won the 2025 final against Spain after a 2–2 draw following extra time and a 5–3 penalty shoot-out victory.

It was Portugal's second Nations League title.

📜 Previous Nations League Champions

Portugal are therefore chasing history.

If they win again in 2027, they would become the first three-time UEFA Nations League champions.

🇪🇸 Can Spain Win the Nations League Again?

Spain have one of the strongest Nations League records.

They won the 2023 edition and reached the final again in 2025.

But their 2026/27 group is brutal.

Spain's Group A3 opponents:

• England

• Croatia

• Czechia

Spain and England meet twice, while Croatia bring considerable tournament experience.

This is one of the groups most likely to produce a dramatic final few matchdays.

🏅 Which Nations Have Won the Nations League?

Only three nations have won the competition so far:

• 🇵🇹 Portugal — 2019 and 2025

• 🇫🇷 France — 2021

• 🇪🇸 Spain — 2023

No other country has lifted the trophy.

That means the 2026/27 edition could either add another Portugal, France or Spain triumph to the record books — or produce a brand-new champion.

🔗 Does the Nations League Qualify Teams for EURO 2028?

The short answer is:

Not directly. Winning the Nations League does not automatically qualify a team for EURO 2028.

However, the 2026/27 Nations League is connected to the EURO 2028 qualification pathway.

The EURO 2028 qualifying group stage consists of 12 groups.

The 12 group winners and eight best runners-up qualify directly.

Two additional places are reserved for the two best-ranked host nations if those teams have not already qualified as group winners or best runners-up.

The remaining places are decided through play-offs involving qualifying-group runners-up and eligible 2026/27 Nations League group winners.

The important point is that Nations League performance can provide a second route to the EURO 2028 play-offs for some teams that fail to qualify through the conventional European Qualifiers.

The best-ranked eligible Nations League group winners are considered first according to the relevant UEFA ranking.

So:

Nations League success can help a team reach the EURO 2028 play-offs, but it is not an automatic EURO qualification ticket.

📺 Where Can I Watch the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League?

The 2026/27 UEFA Nations League is finally here, and if you're anything like me, you've already cleared your calendar for the next few months. But before you settle in for the opening matchday, there's one crucial question to answer: where exactly can you watch the games?

So let's break it down properly. Whether you're in London, Berlin, Tokyo, or anywhere else, this guide has you covered.

🌍 The Big Picture: How Nations League Rights Work

Before we dive into country-by-country details, here's what you need to understand about how UEFA sells these rights:

• Rights are bundled — but not uniformly. The Nations League is part of UEFA's "Men's National Team Competitions" package, typically sold alongside Euro Qualifiers, World Cup European Qualifiers, and international friendlies.

• Domestic broadcasters prioritize their own national teams. That's why you'll often see one broadcaster holding rights to all of a specific country's matches, while other matches in the same competition end up on different platforms.

• Streaming is increasingly central. Platforms like DAZN, RTL+, and various public broadcaster apps now carry extensive live coverage, often with multi-language commentary options.

• The safest approach? Check UEFA's official viewing information and your local broadcaster's schedule immediately before each match. Rights can change, and what worked last season might not apply now.

🇪🇺 Europe: Country-by-Country Guide

🇬🇧 United Kingdom & Ireland

England matches: ITV holds exclusive rights to England's Nations League and European Qualifier matches through 2028. Coverage airs on ITV1 and ITVX.

Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland matches: The BBC has extended its deal with UEFA, ensuring every Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland senior men's international match remains live and free-to-air until June 2028. That's around 60 live matches across the next two years, including this autumn's Nations League fixtures. Catch every game on BBC television, BBC iPlayer, and BBC Sounds. (S4C also shares Welsh coverage.)

Republic of Ireland: RTÉ and Virgin Media Ireland share coverage.

Other UK matches: Prime Video UK carries all other Nations League matches not involving the home nations.

🇩🇪 Germany

Great news for German fans: every Germany match is free-to-air in the 2026/27 Nations League.

The six group-stage matches are split between three broadcasters:

• RTL shows all three away matches: Netherlands (24 September), Greece (4 October), and Serbia (13 November).

• ARD broadcasts the home match against Greece (27 September) and the return fixture against the Netherlands (16 November).

• ZDF airs the home match against Serbia (1 October).

RTL+ also carries extensive highlights and is the home of the Nations League Finals, with all matches from the quarter-finals onwards shown on the channel. German fans can stream via RTL+, the ARD Mediathek, or the ZDF Mediathek.

Other Nations League matches: DAZN holds rights across the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), plus Belgium and Japan, through the end of the 2026/27 season.

🇫🇷 France

TF1 holds rights to all France national team matches through 2028, including Nations League fixtures, friendlies, World Cup qualifiers, and Euro 2028 qualifiers. Every France match airs live on TF1 with expert analysis and French commentary.

Streaming is available via TF1+, the network's streaming platform, on tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs.

L'Équipe also holds rights to select non-France matches.

🇮🇹 Italy

RAI is your free-to-air home for all Italy matches through 2028. Coverage airs on RAI 1 or Rai 2, with full pre-match build-up, half-time analysis, and post-match interviews — all in Italian.

Livestream Italy's matches via the RAI Play app on Android and iOS devices. Highlights and replays are also available on the app.

Sky Sport Italia holds additional rights for other Nations League matches.

🇪🇸 Spain

RTVE has secured rights to Spain's Nations League matches for the 2026-27 cycle as part of a larger agreement covering La Roja's UEFA tournament matches from 2026 through 2028.

Spanish viewers can watch Spain's games live and free on RTVE channels (La 1, La 2, Teledeporte), including the League Phase and the Finals in June 2027.

The RTVE Play app offers streaming on smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and streaming devices.

🌍 Other Key European Markets

• Netherlands: NOS and Ziggo Sport share Dutch broadcast rights.

• Portugal: RTP and Sport TV hold rights to Portugal's matches.

• Austria: ORF shows all Austria matches live on ORF1 and via the ORF ON streaming service through the end of 2026/27. DAZN carries other Nations League matches across the region.

• Switzerland: SRG SSR holds rights to all Switzerland matches plus 30 additional non-Swiss matches through 2028. DAZN also carries Nations League matches in Switzerland.

• Belgium: VTM GO, DAZN, and RTBF Auvio hold Belgian rights.

• Poland: Polsat Box Go and TVP Sport share Polish coverage.

• Ukraine: Megogo won the tender for UEFA national team tournaments in Ukraine for 2026-2028. Selected matches will also air free on the "Megogo Sport" TV channel.

🇸🇪 Scandinavia

• Denmark: TV2 PLAY

• Norway: TV 2 Play

• Sweden: Viaplay

• Finland: MTV Katsomo and Yle Areena

• Iceland: Viaplay

🌏 Asia & Pacific

• Mainland China: iQIYI Sports holds rights for UEFA competitions in mainland China.

• Japan: DAZN Japan holds exclusive live rights for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 seasons. Subscriptions are required.

• South Korea: SPOTV NOW is the primary platform.

• Taiwan / Chinese Taipei: ELTA holds broadcast rights.

• Hong Kong SAR: NOW Sports and beIN Sports carry UEFA competition coverage.

• India & South Asia: Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV hold exclusive rights for UEFA competitions in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and surrounding regions.

• Southeast Asia: Coverage varies by territory, with a mix of UEFA.tv and regional platforms. Check local listings.

• Australia: Stan Sport carries UEFA Nations League coverage.

• New Zealand: Sky Sport New Zealand holds rights.

• Pacific Islands: Digicel provides coverage across multiple Pacific territories.

🌎 North America

• United States: Fox Sports, FuboTV, and ViX share US broadcast rights. Fox holds long-term FIFA and UEFA rights, making it the primary destination for American viewers.

• Canada: DAZN Canada holds exclusive rights to a multitude of UEFA national team matches.

• Mexico: Sky Mexico and TNT Sports carry coverage.

🌍 Latin America, MENA & Africa

• Latin America: Disney+ holds rights across major Latin American markets (Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, etc.). Brazil also has coverage via Globoplay/SporTV.

• Middle East & North Africa (MENA): beIN Sports dominates football broadcasting across the MENA region, with coverage via beIN Connect.

• Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport (via DStv Stream) and New World TV provide wide coverage across Sub-Saharan Africa.

🆓 Can I Watch the Nations League for Free?

Sometimes — it depends entirely on your country and broadcaster.

Free-to-air options exist in several major markets:

• 🇬🇧 UK: BBC (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland matches) and ITV (England matches)

• 🇩🇪 Germany: ARD, ZDF, and RTL show all Germany matches free-to-air

• 🇮🇹 Italy: RAI broadcasts all Italy matches free-to-air

• 🇪🇸 Spain: RTVE offers free coverage of Spain's matches

• 🇫🇷 France: TF1 shows all France matches free-to-air

• 🇦🇹 Austria: ORF broadcasts all Austria matches free

• 🇨🇭 Switzerland: SRG SSR provides free coverage

• 🇺🇦 Ukraine: Selected matches air free on Megogo Sport

However, pay-TV or a subscription is required in many other markets:

• 🇺🇸 USA: Fox Sports, FuboTV, ViX (subscription/cable required)

• 🇨🇦 Canada: DAZN subscription

• 🇮🇳 India: Sony LIV paywall

• 🇯🇵 Japan: DAZN subscription

• 🇦🇺 Australia: Stan Sport subscription

There is no single worldwide free Nations League stream. Identify your country first, then check the official broadcaster information.

🔁 Where Can I Watch Full Replays?

Full-match replay availability is territory-dependent, and it's one of the most common frustrations for fans.

What broadcasters may provide:

• Full-match replays

• Extended highlights

• Short highlights

• Match clips

• On-demand viewing

UEFA.tv is worth checking for officially available video content, highlights, and any live or on-demand offerings available in your territory. It's a legitimate, safe option — but don't assume it provides every full Nations League match worldwide.

If full-match replays are your priority: Check both your local rights holder and UEFA's official platforms.

A Note on UEFA.tv: For fans in territories without a major network broadcast deal (such as parts of Southeast Asia or smaller island nations), UEFA.tv is often your official, free live-streaming lifeline. It's a legitimate, safe option to check for officially available live broadcasts, highlights, and on-demand video, depending entirely on the rights available in your specific region.

📊 Quick Reference: Major Markets at a Glance

📈 How to Follow Live Scores and Standings

You do not need a paid subscription simply to follow the tables.

UEFA's official competition pages provide information such as:

• Fixtures

• Results

• Standings

• Team schedules

• Competition news

• Statistics

• Draw information

The official UEFA standings page is especially useful during the final matchdays, when small differences in points, goal difference and tiebreakers can determine quarter-final qualification or relegation.

Official UEFA links:

• Fixtures & Results

• Standings

• Draws

• UEFA.tv

📱 Download the Official App

UEFA EURO & Nations League

• iOS App Store

• Google Play Store

🎟️ What About Tickets?

There is no single ticketing system for every Nations League league-phase match.

League-phase matches are played at the home stadiums of the participating national teams, so tickets are normally distributed through the relevant national football association and its official ticketing channels.

For example:

• England vs Spain → check the English FA and authorised ticketing channels

• Germany vs Netherlands → check the German or Dutch football association

• France vs Italy → check the French or Italian federation

For the June 2027 Nations League Finals, ticket information will depend on the final venue arrangements and UEFA's official ticketing announcement.

🎫 Ticket-buying tips

Always start with:

1. UEFA's official competition website

2. The relevant national football association

3. The official stadium or ticketing partner

Avoid unofficial ticket marketplaces unless you fully understand the risks and the tickets are authorised for resale.

⏰ What Time Are Nations League Matches Played?

UEFA's published fixture list uses CET as its standard reference time.

Many matches have a 20:45 CET kick-off, but plenty of games start earlier.

The 2026/27 schedule includes kick-offs such as:

• 15:00 CET

• 16:00 CET

• 18:00 CET

• 20:45 CET

Therefore, never assume that every Nations League match begins at 20:45.

Always check the official fixture listing for the latest kick-off time.

🔢 How Many Matches Are There?

Most teams play six league-phase matches.

League A:
16 teams × 6 ÷ 2 = 48 matches

League B:
16 × 6 ÷ 2 = 48 matches

League C:
16 × 6 ÷ 2 = 48 matches

League D:
6 × 4 ÷ 2 = 12 matches

Therefore:

156 League-Phase Matches

The 2026/27 Nations League league phase contains 156 matches.

That figure does not include the March 2027 quarter-finals, promotion/relegation play-offs or June Finals.

The Nations League Knockout Numbers

After the 156-match league phase:

• League A quarter-finals: Four ties × two legs = 8 matches

• League A/B play-offs: Four ties × two legs = 8 matches

• League B/C play-offs: Four ties × two legs = 8 matches

• League C/D play-offs: Two ties × two legs = 4 matches, if played

• Nations League Finals: Two semi-finals + third-place match + final = 4 matches

The League C/D play-offs are held in March 2028 rather than March 2027 and may not be played if the relevant EURO 2028 qualification conditions apply.

🚨 Why the 2026/27 Nations League Is Especially Important

There is a major reason to pay extra attention to this edition:

It is the final Nations League edition under the current four-league structure.

UEFA has approved a new concept for the 2028/29 Nations League.

From 2028/29, the competition is planned to transition from four leagues to three leagues of 18 teams.

🔮 What Will Change From 2028/29?

Under the approved new concept:

Current system

• League A — 16 teams

• League B — 16 teams

• League C — 16 teams

• League D — remaining teams

• Four groups in Leagues A, B and C

New system from 2028/29

• League A — 18 teams

• League B — 18 teams

• League C — 18 teams

• Three groups of six in each league

Every team will play six matches against five different opponents.

With 55 UEFA member associations participating, League C will contain one group of seven teams, whose schedule will begin one international window earlier.

The new concept also retains the broad ideas of:

• Quarter-finals

• Final Four

• Promotion/relegation play-offs

The precise implementation should always be checked against UEFA's latest regulations as the reform is brought into force.

🤷 Why Is UEFA Changing the Nations League?

UEFA's objective is to make men's national-team competitions more competitive while creating a more coherent tiered system.

The new Nations League structure will also work alongside a redesigned European Qualifiers system.

Under the approved concept, the future European Qualifiers will be divided into two tiers:

League 1

36 teams from Nations League Leagues A and B.

They will be divided into three groups of 12.

League 2

The remaining 18 or 19 teams.

Its format will mirror the Nations League League C structure, including the possibility of a seven-team group.

UEFA says the broader reform is designed to improve competitive balance, reduce dead matches and give teams across the rankings a more meaningful competitive pathway.

🌟 The Bigger Role of the Nations League in European Football

The Nations League is no longer just another collection of international friendlies.

It can influence:

• Promotion

• Relegation

• Quarter-final qualification

• Nations League Finals qualification

• Competitive rankings

• Future league allocation

• EURO 2028 play-off access

• The broader European international calendar

For smaller nations, it provides a structured competitive ladder.

For mid-ranked teams, promotion can mean more matches against stronger opponents.

For Europe's elite, it offers another meaningful trophy.

And for fans, it means more international matches with something genuinely at stake.

🔍 Group-by-Group Preview

🇫🇷 Group A1: France, Italy, Belgium, Türkiye

This could be one of the most competitive groups in the entire tournament.

France enter as perennial contenders.

Italy have enormous international pedigree.

Belgium remain one of Europe's strongest sides.

Türkiye have also developed into a team capable of causing problems for higher-ranked opponents.

Key fixtures:

• Türkiye vs France

• Italy vs Belgium

• Belgium vs France

• Türkiye vs Italy

• France vs Italy

• France vs Belgium

• Türkiye vs Belgium

• Belgium vs Italy

This is a group where every point could matter.

🇩🇪 Group A2: Germany, Netherlands, Serbia, Greece

Germany and the Netherlands provide the obvious headline rivalry.

But Serbia and Greece should not be underestimated.

Key fixtures:

• Netherlands vs Germany

• Germany vs Greece

• Greece vs Netherlands

• Germany vs Serbia

• Netherlands vs Serbia

• Germany vs Netherlands

The return Germany–Netherlands meeting on 16 November could be one of the biggest final-day fixtures in the entire league phase.

🏴 Group A3: Spain, Croatia, England, Czechia

Group of death?

It is certainly one of the strongest candidates.

You have:

• Spain

• England

• Croatia

• Czechia

Spain and England are obvious headline contenders.

Croatia bring years of major-tournament experience.

Czechia could be the spoiler.

Must-watch fixtures:

• England vs Spain

• Czechia vs England

• Spain vs Croatia

• Croatia vs England

• Croatia vs Spain

• Spain vs England

The two England–Spain meetings alone make this group must-watch television.

🇵🇹 Group A4: Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Wales

Portugal are the defending champions.

Norway are back in League A.

Denmark are experienced at international level.

Wales are capable of making life difficult for anyone.

And, of course, Norway have Erling Haaland.

Key fixtures:

• Portugal vs Wales

• Norway vs Portugal

• Denmark vs Portugal

• Portugal vs Norway

• Portugal vs Denmark

• Norway vs Wales

• Denmark vs Norway

• Wales vs Portugal

This group could be extremely entertaining.

💪 Why the Nations League Matters for Smaller Nations

One of the best features of the Nations League is that it is not designed exclusively around Europe's traditional giants.

Countries such as:

• San Marino

• Andorra

• Liechtenstein

• Gibraltar

• Faroe Islands

• Malta

can compete within a structured system and aim for promotion.

The basic ladder is:

League D → League C → League B → League A

A successful campaign can therefore transform the level of opposition a national team faces in future editions.

For developing football nations, that competitive pathway can be extremely valuable.

❓ Is the UEFA Nations League the Same as the UEFA European Championship?

No.

The UEFA Nations League and UEFA European Championship are separate competitions.

The European Championship is the major continental final tournament held every four years.

The Nations League is a recurring league-style national-team competition.

However, the two competitions are connected through the EURO qualification system.

That connection is particularly important for the 2026/27 edition because Nations League group winners can potentially gain access to the EURO 2028 play-offs if they do not qualify through the conventional route.

❓ Is the UEFA Nations League the Same as World Cup Qualifying?

No.

World Cup qualifying is a separate competition.

The Nations League operates alongside the World Cup and EURO qualification systems.

Its results can influence promotion, relegation, rankings and, in the case of EURO 2028, access to the play-offs.

So it is much more consequential than an ordinary friendly competition, but it is not a substitute for World Cup qualifying.

📊 How to Check the Latest Standings

Because the 2026/27 tournament is played over several months, static tables can become outdated very quickly.

The official UEFA standings page is the best place to check:

• Points

• Matches played

• Wins

• Draws

• Defeats

• Goals scored

• Goals conceded

• Goal difference

• Group position

It is particularly important to use the official standings during the final matchdays because qualification can depend on UEFA's detailed tiebreaker rules.

📍 Where to Find the Complete Fixture List

UEFA's official fixture centre provides the full schedule.

It is also possible to follow fixtures by individual national team.

This is especially useful if you only care about one country rather than all 54 participating associations.

The official UEFA fixture centre should be your first stop for:

• Dates

• Kick-off times

• Results

• Venue information

• Team-specific schedules

📰 Where to Find Official News and Video

For official competition news, use the UEFA Nations League competition hub.

For video content, check UEFA.tv and the official competition pages.

For draws, use UEFA's official draw section.

For live scores, fixtures and standings, use the official UEFA competition centre.

These official sources are preferable to third-party fixture aggregators when accuracy matters.

❓ 2026/27 UEFA Nations League FAQ

When does the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League start?

The league phase begins on 24 September 2026.

When does the league phase finish?

The final league-phase matches are scheduled for 15–17 November 2026.

When are the Nations League quarter-finals?

The League A quarter-finals are scheduled for 25–30 March 2027.

When are the Nations League Finals?

The Finals are scheduled for 9–13 June 2027.

How many teams are in the 2026/27 Nations League?

There are 54 participating national associations.

How many leagues are there?

There are four:

• League A

• League B

• League C

• League D

How many teams are in League A?

League A contains 16 teams divided into four groups of four.

How many matches does a League A team play?

Each League A team plays six league-phase matches:

• Three at home

• Three away

How many teams qualify for the quarter-finals?

Eight.

The top two teams from each League A group qualify.

Are the Nations League quarter-finals played over two legs?

Yes.

Each quarter-final is played home and away.

Who hosts the first leg?

The League A group runner-up hosts the first leg.

The group winner hosts the second leg.

Are there away goals in the quarter-finals?

No.

If the aggregate score is level after the second leg, extra time and penalties are used if necessary.

Who are the defending champions?

Portugal.

They defeated Spain on penalties in the 2025 final.

Who has won the Nations League?

• Portugal — 2019

• France — 2021

• Spain — 2023

• Portugal — 2025

Can Portugal win a third Nations League title?

Yes.

If Portugal win the 2026/27 edition, they would become the first three-time Nations League champions.

Can teams be promoted?

Yes.

League B and League C group winners are automatically promoted, while League D group winners move into League C.

Additional promotion opportunities are available through the play-offs.

Can teams be relegated?

Yes.

League A and League B fourth-placed teams are automatically relegated.

League C also has automatic relegation for its two lowest-ranked fourth-placed teams, with additional movement determined through the League C/D play-offs.

Is the Nations League connected to EURO 2028?

Yes.

The Nations League can provide an additional route into the EURO 2028 play-offs for eligible group winners that do not qualify through the European Qualifiers.

Winning the Nations League itself does not automatically qualify a team for EURO 2028.

Will the Nations League format change after 2026/27?

Yes.

UEFA has approved a new concept under which the Nations League will move from four leagues to three leagues of 18 teams from 2028/29.

The detailed implementation should be checked against UEFA's latest regulations as the new format enters into force.

🔥 My 2026/27 Nations League Watchlist

If I were putting together a personal must-watch list as a football fan, these would be near the top:

🔥 England vs Spain
The EURO 2024 final rematch.

🔥 Netherlands vs Germany
A classic European rivalry to open the tournament.

🔥 France vs Italy
Two heavyweight nations meeting twice.

🔥 Belgium vs France
Another major European rivalry, with two meetings in the opening four matchdays.

🔥 Portugal vs Norway
The defending champions against Haaland's Norway.

🔥 Spain vs Croatia
Two tournament-tested sides in Group A3.

🔥 Germany vs Netherlands — Matchday 6
Potentially a huge final-day showdown.

🔥 Portugal vs Denmark — Matchday 5
A potentially decisive Group A4 clash.

🔗 Official UEFA Links & Resources

UEFA Nations League

• UEFA Nations League — Official Competition Home

Fixtures & Results

• 2026/27 UEFA Nations League Fixtures & Results

Standings

• 2026/27 UEFA Nations League Standings

Draws

• UEFA Nations League Draws

UEFA.tv

• UEFA Nations League on UEFA.tv

Official 2026/27 Overview

• 2026/27 UEFA Nations League: All you need to know

Complete League-Phase Fixtures

• 2026/27 UEFA Nations League: All the league-phase fixtures

Fixtures by Team

• 2026/27 UEFA Nations League league-phase fixtures by team

2026/27 UEFA Nations League Regulations

• Official UEFA Nations League Regulations

UEFA EURO 2028 Qualification

• UEFA EURO 2028 Qualification System

2028/29 Nations League Reform

• New concept for men's national team competitions as of 2028

🎬 Final Verdict: Why You Should Watch the 2026/27 Nations League

At first glance, the Nations League may look like another international football competition squeezed into an already crowded calendar.

But once you understand how it works, its appeal becomes obvious.

Every team has something to fight for.

For Portugal, Spain, France, England, Germany and the other League A giants, the objective is the trophy.

For teams in League B and League C, promotion can transform the level of opposition they face in future editions.

For teams at the bottom of the table, survival matters.

And the 2026/27 edition has an additional historical angle.

It is the final Nations League played under UEFA's current four-league format before the planned 2028/29 restructuring.

The groups are packed with intriguing matchups.

The opening four matchdays are compressed into a remarkably busy international window.

The League A quarter-finals introduce a genuine two-legged knockout stage.

The June 2027 Finals will crown the final Nations League champion under this current four-league era.

And the results can also influence the route to EURO 2028.

From a football fan's perspective, that's more than enough reason to keep the calendar free.

So grab your scarf, mark the big fixtures, bookmark the official standings page and get ready for another season of European international football.

The 2026/27 UEFA Nations League is about to kick off — and this time, every match matters. ⚽🔥