The UEFA Nations League is back with a bang, setting the stage for another exhilarating round of European football drama following the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup. The draw for the 2026-27 edition, held on February 12, 2026, in Brussels, has already sparked excitement, debate, and more than a few nerves among teams and fans alike. With the groupings now official, the path to continental glory is mapped out, and the storylines are as compelling as ever.
League A, the top tier of the competition, is brimming with blockbuster matchups. Perhaps the most mouthwatering is the rematch between England and Spain in Group A3. The memory of Spain breaking English hearts in the Euro 2024 final in Germany is still fresh, and the Three Lions, now under the stewardship of Thomas Tuchel, are itching for a shot at redemption. England’s group is no walk in the park—Croatia and the Czech Republic round out a quartet that promises fireworks from the first whistle.
Tuchel, who took over from Gareth Southgate in January 2025 after the Euro 2024 heartbreak, received a contract extension on the very day of the draw. The deal ensures he’ll guide England not only through this Nations League campaign but also into the 2028 European Championship, which will be played on home soil as well as in Wales, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland. "It’s an unprecedented opportunity," Tuchel has said, signaling his intent to make history with the Three Lions. The final of Euro 2028 is set for Wembley, adding another layer of motivation for England’s ambitious boss.
But if England’s group is daunting, spare a thought for France, who landed in what many are calling the ‘group of death’—Group A1. Les Bleus will face Italy, Belgium, and Turkey, a trio of opponents that could easily make up a European Championship semifinal lineup on their own. The stakes are sky-high, and the margin for error razor-thin. France’s manager and supporters alike will be acutely aware that every point will matter in a group this stacked.
Elsewhere in League A, Germany and the Netherlands are set to renew their storied rivalry in Group A2, joined by Serbia and Greece. Meanwhile, defending champions Portugal, led by the ever-iconic Cristiano Ronaldo, are grouped with Denmark, Norway (featuring the prolific Erling Haaland), and Wales in Group A4. Wales, managed by Craig Bellamy, will need to be at their very best to contend with the reigning titleholders and two formidable Scandinavian sides.
For Scotland, the draw in League B offers both challenge and opportunity. Steve Clarke’s men will line up against Switzerland, Slovenia, and North Macedonia in Group B1. North Macedonia, who have proven tricky for British sides in recent qualifiers, add a layer of unpredictability. Switzerland, perennial tournament participants, and Slovenia, who have shown flashes of brilliance, round out a diverse and competitive group.
The Republic of Ireland, meanwhile, finds itself in Group B3 alongside Israel, Austria, and Kosovo. This draw is not without its off-pitch drama. Last November, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) submitted a motion to UEFA requesting the suspension of the Israel Football Association from European competitions, citing alleged violations of UEFA statutes. Despite the political tensions, the FAI has confirmed it will fulfill its Nations League fixtures against Israel. In a statement, the association clarified, "While consultation has taken place with UEFA officials, the association does recognise that UEFA regulations outline that if an association refuses to play a match then that fixture will be forfeited and further disciplinary measures may follow—including potential disqualification from the competition." The match-up is sure to attract attention beyond the footballing sphere, but for now, the focus remains on the pitch.
Northern Ireland will also face a stern test in Group B2, drawn against Hungary, Ukraine, and Georgia. All three opponents qualified for Euro 2024, ensuring that every fixture will be a battle. The League B groups, completed with Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, and Sweden in B4, showcase the depth of European football, where no match can be taken for granted.
Delving into League C, the draw features a wide range of footballing pedigrees. Albania, Finland, Belarus, and San Marino make up C1, while Montenegro, Armenia, Cyprus, and the play-off winner between Latvia and Gibraltar are in C2. Kazakhstan, Slovakia, Faroe Islands, and Moldova fill out C3, and C4 includes Iceland, Bulgaria, Estonia, and either Malta or Luxembourg. Even at this level, the competition is fierce, with promotion and relegation battles adding an extra edge to every tie.
League D, the entry point for Europe’s minnows, has its own intrigue. The draw, shaped in part by restrictions such as Kosovo not being able to play Bosnia-Herzegovina, resulted in some late adjustments. Group D1 features Latvia or Gibraltar, Malta or Luxembourg, and Andorra, while Group D2 will see Lithuania, Azerbaijan, and Liechtenstein square off. For these teams, the Nations League offers a rare chance at silverware and the possibility of climbing the continental ladder.
The schedule is as packed as ever. The league phase kicks off after the World Cup, with matchdays one to four running from September 24 to October 6, 2026. The final two group fixtures will be played from November 12 to 17, 2026. Quarterfinals and promotion-relegation playoffs are set for March 2027, and the final four will battle for the trophy in June 2027. For many teams, the Nations League offers not just a shot at glory but a potential backdoor into major tournaments—making every point, every goal, and every matchday count.
As with every draw, there were moments of spectacle and ceremony. Former stars like Pepe and Fernando Llorente lent their hands to the proceedings, while UEFA’s deputy secretary general Giorgio Marchetti oversaw the technical details. The draw itself was not without its quirks—robot suits and keepy-uppies provided entertainment before the real business began, a reminder that football never loses its sense of fun.
Looking ahead, the road to the 2027 Nations League finals is paved with intrigue, rivalry, and the promise of unforgettable nights. Will England exact revenge on Spain? Can France survive the group of death? Will Portugal defend their crown, or will a new champion emerge? With the draw now set and the countdown underway, Europe’s best are ready to write the next chapter of international football’s most unpredictable competition.
For now, anticipation reigns supreme. The stage is set, the groups are drawn, and the continent waits—breath held—for the action to begin.