The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in European football as the draw for the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League league phase unfolded in Brussels on February 12, 2026. This marks the fifth edition of a tournament that has rapidly become a staple of the international calendar, bringing together the men’s national teams from UEFA’s 54 member associations for a series of high-stakes clashes, promotion battles, and a shot at continental glory.
The Nations League, introduced in 2018, was designed to replace friendly matches with meaningful competition and to ensure that every international break carries weight. Its format—dividing teams into four leagues based on rankings and featuring promotion, relegation, and a final tournament—has injected new energy into European football. Portugal, who triumphed in a dramatic penalty shootout against Spain in June 2025, enters this campaign as the defending champion and will be eager to defend their crown.
This year’s draw, conducted in the Belgian capital, saw the 54 participating nations allocated across four leagues. Leagues A, B, and C each feature four groups of four teams, while League D is comprised of two groups of three. The allocation was based on the Access List and pending results from the 2024-25 League C/D play-offs, with placeholders used for teams whose league status will be finalized in March 2026.
Let’s break down the groups for the upcoming season:
League A—the top tier—features a mouthwatering array of fixtures. Group A1 is stacked with European heavyweights France, Italy, Belgium, and Turkey, promising fireworks from the start. Group A2 brings together Germany, the Netherlands, Serbia, and Greece, while Group A3 arguably boasts the most intrigue, as Spain, Croatia, England, and Czechia (Czech Republic) face off. Rounding out League A, Group A4 includes defending champions Portugal, Denmark, Norway, and Wales.
England, under the stewardship of Thomas Tuchel—who just inked a contract extension through Euro 2028—finds itself in a group with familiar foes. Having secured promotion to League A by topping Group B2 in the previous edition, the Three Lions are looking for redemption after falling 2-1 to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, with Mikel Oyarzabal netting the winner in the 86th minute. Their group also features Croatia, a side that has caused England plenty of headaches in recent tournaments, and the ever-unpredictable Czechia.
"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," Tuchel told BBC Sport, highlighting the balancing act required with a packed international schedule.
Wales, like England, earned promotion to League A and now faces a daunting task in Group A4 alongside Portugal, Denmark, and Norway. The Welsh will be keen to prove they belong in the top flight, while Portugal will be determined to show that last summer’s triumph was no fluke. Meanwhile, France and Italy’s clash in Group A1 is sure to capture the imagination of fans, given their storied histories and recent successes.
In League B, Scotland—fresh off qualifying for their first World Cup since 1998—takes on Switzerland, Slovenia, and North Macedonia in Group B1. Northern Ireland faces Hungary, Ukraine, and Georgia in Group B2, while the Republic of Ireland is set for a politically charged encounter with Israel, along with matches against Austria and Kosovo in Group B3. The Football Association of Ireland confirmed, "The Republic of Ireland will fulfil their Nations League fixtures against Israel after they were drawn together in Group B3," despite previous calls for Israel’s exclusion from UEFA competitions. The association acknowledged UEFA regulations, stating, "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."
League C and League D continue the theme of competitive balance, with nations like Albania, Finland, Belarus, and San Marino in Group C1, and intriguing match-ups set to emerge once the League C/D play-offs determine final placements. The format ensures even the lower leagues carry promotion and relegation drama, keeping every match meaningful.
The structure of the competition is as follows: Each team in Leagues A, B, and C will play six group-stage matches—three home and three away—between September and November 2026. League D teams play four matches. The top two teams in each League A group advance to the quarterfinals, scheduled for March 25-30, 2027. The winners of those ties will move on to the semi-finals and final, which will be played from June 9-13, 2027.
Promotion and relegation remain central features. Group winners in Leagues B, C, and D are promoted, while the teams finishing bottom in Leagues A, B, and C are relegated. Additionally, second-placed teams in Leagues B, C, and D enter relegation play-offs against teams that finish third in the league above. This ensures a constant churn and the opportunity for ambitious nations to climb the ladder—or risk slipping down a rung.
There’s more at stake than just the Nations League trophy. The best-performing teams that do not qualify directly for Euro 2028 will have a second chance via play-offs, providing a crucial lifeline for sides that stumble in the regular qualifying campaign. This link between the Nations League and the European Championship has added another layer of intrigue and tactical complexity for national team managers.
Here’s a quick look at the key dates for the 2026-27 competition:
- Matchday 1: September 24-26, 2026
- Matchday 2: September 27-29, 2026
- Matchday 3: September 30-October 3, 2026
- Matchday 4: October 4-6, 2026
- Matchday 5: November 12-14, 2026
- Matchday 6: November 15-17, 2026
- League A quarterfinals and play-offs: March 25-30, 2027
- Nations League Finals: June 9-13, 2027
- League C/D play-offs: March 23-28, 2028
As anticipation builds, fans across Europe are already circling fixtures on their calendars. Will Portugal repeat as champions? Can England shake off their Euro 2024 heartbreak? Will a dark horse emerge from League B or C to challenge the established order? With so much on the line, one thing’s certain—the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League promises drama, passion, and unforgettable moments from the very first whistle to the final trophy lift next June.