The UEFA Nations League has expanded its format with a new quarter-final phase, adding excitement to this year’s competition. The quarter-finals are set to unfold in two thrilling legs on March 20 and March 23. This round features the group winners and runners-up from League A, with the victors earning a coveted place in the finals scheduled for June in either Germany or Italy.
Kick-off times for all matches will be at 20:45 CET, starting with the first legs on March 20. The matchups for these first legs are dramatic: the Netherlands will face Spain, Croatia will challenge France, Denmark will take on Portugal, and Italy will clash with Germany. These games promise to deliver intense action as teams vie for a shot at the finals.
In the first quarter-final round, results were remarkably close, showcasing the competitive spirit of the tournament. The Netherlands and Spain finished their match in a 2-2 draw, while Croatia emerged victorious against France with a score of 2-0. Denmark managed to edge past Portugal, winning 1-0, and Italy secured a narrow victory over Germany with a score of 2-1.
The second legs on March 23 will see Spain hosting the Netherlands, France welcoming Croatia, Portugal playing Denmark, and Germany facing Italy again. If any match remains tied after 180 minutes of play, extra time of two 15-minute halves will be played, and should the score still be deadlocked, the match will be decided by a penalty shootout.
Looking ahead to the final tournament, scheduled for June 2025, the semi-finals will take place on June 4 and 5, with the winners advancing to the finale, set for June 8. The two losing semi-finalists will also compete for third place on the same day, adding another layer of intrigue to the conclusion of the tournament. Notably, the winner of the quarter-final clash between Italy and Germany will take on the role of host for the final four-team showdown.
The Nations League’s format has been adapted to enhance its sporting relevance, allowing the top two teams from four A-Leagues to participate in the knockout rounds. This redesign not only increases competition but also enriches the path to World Cup qualification. Teams that reach the final tournament and do not finish as group winners or runners-up gain a place in the World Cup play-offs, a significant incentive highlighting the importance of the Nations League in the broader competitive landscape.
According to reports, all four quarter-finalists from the Nations League also enjoyed the benefit of being drawn into pot 1 during the December World Cup qualifying group draw, giving them a strategic advantage as they seek to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will expand to accommodate 48 teams for the first time.
For instance, Switzerland, which faced relegation from League A to League B, still found itself in pot 1 due to its strong ranking among UEFA nations in the world standings. Starting from fall 2025, Switzerland will compete alongside Sweden, Slovenia, and Kosovo for a spot in the next World Cup. The stakes are high as only the group winners secure direct qualification, so the strategic implications of the Nations League cannot be overstated.
Furthermore, financial incentives are significant in this tournament. The entry fee for competing in League A amounts to 2.15 million francs, with additional earnings for teams that reach the quarter-finals and further bonuses awaiting those who participate in the Final Four and win the tournament. This financial aspect emphasizes the tournament's growing importance and clasp it as a vital segment of the international football calendar.
Ultimately, the excitement around the UEFA Nations League continues to build, with fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming matches. The teams involved know that glory awaits them, not only in terms of titles but also in securing critical World Cup qualifications and financial rewards.
