The stage is set for another dramatic chapter in European international football as the draw for the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League league phase was held in Brussels on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Now in its fifth edition, this innovative competition continues to bring together the continent’s top men’s national teams, offering a tantalizing mix of high-stakes matches, promotion and relegation battles, and a pathway to the next European Championship.
With 54 UEFA member associations participating, the Nations League is divided into four leagues based on team rankings and recent results. Leagues A, B, and C each feature 16 teams split into four groups of four, while League D is comprised of two groups of three teams. The format ensures every match counts, whether teams are eyeing glory, fighting for promotion, or battling to avoid the drop.
League A, the top tier, is stacked with European heavyweights and mouth-watering fixtures. Group A3, in particular, has caught the attention of fans and pundits alike: England, fresh off their runner-up finish at Euro 2024, find themselves alongside reigning European champions Spain, perennial dark horses Croatia, and the ever-dangerous Czech Republic. The Three Lions, managed by Thomas Tuchel—whose contract was just extended through Euro 2028—face a stern test as they look to make their mark in the continent’s premier league.
Reflecting on the draw, Tuchel told BBC Sport, "You need to forgive me if I am not fully focused on the Nations League. It seems like a difficult group. It's Croatia again, Spain – we need to figure out after the World Cup how we approach this period." His comments capture the sense of anticipation and challenge that lies ahead for England, who earned promotion to League A by topping Group B2 in the 2024-25 edition.
Spain, of course, are still riding high after their dramatic Euro 2024 triumph over England, sealed by Mikel Oyarzabal’s late goal in the final. The two sides last met in the Nations League during the 2018-19 campaign, when England topped their group, but with the stakes higher than ever, all eyes will be on their upcoming clashes in Group A3.
Elsewhere in League A, Group A1 features a showdown between former world champions France and Italy, with Belgium and Turkey rounding out the group. Group A2 sees Germany and the Netherlands renew their storied rivalry, joined by Serbia and Greece. Defending Nations League champions Portugal headline Group A4, where they’ll face Denmark, Norway, and Wales. Portugal, having edged Spain on penalties to claim their second Nations League trophy in June 2025, will be eager to assert their dominance once more.
Wales, like England, earned promotion to League A after a strong campaign last season. Their inclusion in a group with Portugal, Denmark, and Norway ensures a challenging road ahead, but the Dragons have shown they’re capable of mixing it with the continent’s best. The League A group winners and runners-up will advance to the quarterfinals, scheduled for March 2027, as the race for the final tournament heats up.
League B is no less intriguing, with Scotland drawn against Switzerland, Slovenia, and North Macedonia in Group B1. The Scots are riding a wave of optimism, having qualified for their first World Cup since 1998 this summer. Northern Ireland, in Group B2, will lock horns with Hungary, Ukraine, and Georgia, while the Republic of Ireland faces Israel, Austria, and Kosovo in Group B3. The Football Association of Ireland has confirmed it will fulfill its fixtures against Israel despite ongoing political tensions, noting that UEFA regulations require participation or risk forfeiture and further disciplinary action.
Group B4 is set to be a hard-fought contest between Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, and Sweden. As in previous editions, group winners in Leagues B, C, and D will earn promotion to the next tier, while bottom-placed teams in Leagues A, B, and C face relegation. Second-place teams in Leagues B, C, and D will enter relegation play-offs, adding another layer of intrigue to the competition.
League C offers opportunities for emerging nations to shine. Group C1 features Albania, Finland, Belarus, and San Marino, while Group C2 includes Montenegro, Armenia, Cyprus, and the winner of a play-off between Gibraltar and Latvia. Group C3 brings together Kazakhstan, Slovakia, Faroe Islands, and Moldova, and Group C4 is set to be contested by Iceland, Bulgaria, Estonia, and the winner of Malta versus Luxembourg. League D, meanwhile, sees Gibraltar or Latvia, Malta or Luxembourg, and Andorra in Group D1, with Lithuania, Azerbaijan, and Liechtenstein in Group D2. The final composition of some groups will be determined by play-offs in March 2026.
The league phase matches will run from September 24 to November 17, 2026, with each team playing home and away fixtures against their group opponents. The top two teams from each League A group will progress to the quarterfinals in March 2027, followed by the semi-finals and final in June to crown the Nations League champion. The League C/D play-offs are scheduled for March 2028, ensuring the competition’s impact is felt well beyond the initial group stage.
The Nations League’s significance extends beyond its own silverware. The best-performing teams that fail to qualify directly for Euro 2028 through the regular qualification campaign will have a second chance via Nations League play-offs. This added incentive has raised the stakes for every participating nation, making each match a potential stepping stone to European Championship glory.
The draw itself was a meticulous affair, with teams placed in pots based on UEFA rankings and previous results. Strict rules governed the process, including prohibitions on certain team clashes and measures to minimize excessive travel and winter venue risks. The result is a balanced, competitive field designed to maximize excitement and ensure fairness across all leagues.
Portugal’s recent dominance—having won two of the first four editions, including the inaugural tournament in 2019 and their penalty shootout victory over Spain in 2025—underscores the unpredictable nature of the Nations League. With powerhouses and up-and-comers alike vying for supremacy, the 2026-27 edition promises no shortage of drama, upsets, and unforgettable moments.
As anticipation builds ahead of the September kick-off, fans across Europe are already circling key fixtures on their calendars. Will England avenge their Euro heartbreak against Spain? Can Portugal defend their crown against a new wave of challengers? Or will a dark horse emerge to upset the established order? One thing’s for sure: the road to the 2027 Nations League Finals is paved with intrigue, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of footballing glory.