The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in European football as the draw for the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League was completed on February 12, 2026, in Brussels. With anticipation already building for the Euro 2028 qualifiers, the Nations League promises to deliver high-octane matchups, fierce rivalries, and, as always, a few surprises along the way. The league phase will kick off right after the 2026 World Cup, running from September 23 to October 5, 2026, with further group matches in November and the finals scheduled for June 2027.
This edition’s draw was nothing short of dramatic, with football giants and emerging nations alike learning their fates in a ceremony that featured appearances from legends like Pepe, Patrick Vieira, and Fernando Llorente. The draw not only set the stage for sporting drama but also stirred political intrigue, particularly in League B, where the Republic of Ireland and Israel were drawn together amid ongoing tensions.
Let’s break down the most eye-catching groups and storylines from each league, starting with the star-studded League A.
Group of Deaths and Blockbuster Clashes in League A
Fans and pundits alike have already dubbed Group A1 the "group of death," with France, Italy, Belgium, and Turkey all vying for supremacy. It’s a collection of European heavyweights, each with a history of deep runs in major tournaments. France, still smarting from their recent near-misses, will be looking to reassert themselves, but with Italy’s tactical discipline, Belgium’s golden generation, and Turkey’s unpredictable flair, every fixture is set to be a nail-biter.
Group A3 has also drawn significant attention, as England will face a rematch with Spain, their Euro 2024 final conquerors. The heartbreak of that final in Germany is still fresh for England fans, and now, under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel—who agreed to a contract extension on the very day of the draw—the Three Lions have a golden opportunity for redemption. Tuchel’s extension means he’ll lead England through both the Nations League and the Euro 2028 campaign on home soil, a prospect that has supporters dreaming big. England’s group is completed by Croatia and the Czech Republic, two sides more than capable of springing an upset.
Elsewhere in League A, Germany and the Netherlands renew their storied rivalry in Group A2, joined by Serbia and Greece. Meanwhile, defending champions Portugal headline Group A4 alongside Denmark, Norway, and Wales. The prospect of Erling Haaland’s Norway squaring off against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal is already generating buzz, and with Wales and Denmark in the mix, Group A4 could prove to be one of the most competitive in the tournament.
League B: Political Tensions and Tough Tests
League B’s draw was equally eventful, especially for the British Isles. Scotland landed in Group B1 with Switzerland, Slovenia, and North Macedonia—a group packed with teams that have made recent World Cup appearances. Steve Clarke’s men will need to draw on all their resilience to navigate a tricky set of fixtures.
Northern Ireland face a stern test in Group B2, drawn against Hungary, Ukraine, and Georgia. Each of these teams boasts recent tournament experience, and for Northern Ireland, every point will be hard-fought.
But it’s Group B3 that has drawn the most off-field attention. The Republic of Ireland will face Israel, Austria, and Kosovo. This pairing comes after the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) submitted a motion in November 2025 calling on UEFA to suspend the Israel Football Association, citing alleged breaches of UEFA statutes. Despite the political backdrop, the FAI confirmed, “The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) confirms that the Ireland Men’s National Team will fulfil their 2026 UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel after being drawn together in Group B3.” The statement further acknowledged, “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.”
Sweden was also impacted by draw restrictions, being moved from Group B3 to Group B4 due to Kosovo’s inability to be grouped with Bosnia-Herzegovina. Group B4 now features Poland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Romania, and Sweden, promising yet another tightly contested set of fixtures.
Leagues C and D: Opportunities for Emerging Nations
While the spotlight often shines brightest on the top tiers, the lower leagues are where dreams are made and reputations forged. League C features a diverse mix, from Albania and Finland to San Marino and Belarus in Group C1, and a host of competitive sides in the other groups. League D, meanwhile, offers teams like Latvia, Gibraltar, Malta, and Andorra a chance to test themselves on the international stage.
For many of these nations, the Nations League represents more than just matches—it’s a pathway to promotion, a shot at European Championship qualification, and a rare chance to claim silverware.
Fixture Calendar and What’s Next
The group stage will unfold over six matchdays, with the opening four fixtures taking place from September 24 to October 6, 2026, and the final two in mid-November. The quarterfinals and promotion-relegation playoffs are set for March 2027, while the grand finale, where the last four will compete for the trophy, is scheduled for June 9-13, 2027.
For England, the extension of Thomas Tuchel’s contract brings stability and a renewed sense of optimism. The German tactician, who took over from Gareth Southgate in January 2025, now has a mandate to build a team capable of not just avenging past heartbreaks but also making history at Euro 2028, which will be hosted across the UK and Ireland, culminating with a final at Wembley.
Wales, under Craig Bellamy, face the daunting task of competing with Portugal, Denmark, and Norway. Scotland and Northern Ireland, too, have tough roads ahead but will be buoyed by recent successes and the ever-passionate support of their fans.
Meanwhile, political undercurrents continue to swirl around the Republic of Ireland’s fixtures with Israel, but the FAI’s decision to fulfill those matches ensures that the focus, at least on the pitch, will remain on football.
With the draw now complete and the countdown to kick-off underway, anticipation is already building. Can England exact revenge on Spain? Will France or Portugal add another trophy to their collections? Which underdog will seize the spotlight? The only certainty is that the 2026-27 Nations League promises drama, excitement, and stories that will echo across Europe for years to come.