Nations League group stage ends: here's where the tension lies

With two rounds remaining, France leads Group 1; Netherlands and Greece top Group 2 with qualification scenarios still wide open; Spain and Portugal have secured knockout spots.

The UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group stage concludes in November with qualification stakes high across Division A. The top two in each group advance to the quarter-finals, while the bottom two fourth-place finishers drop to Division B. The two best third-place teams qualify directly; the two worst play-offs against Division B runners-up. First-place finishers gain an extra safety net if they fail to qualify for Euro 2028.

In Group 1, France leads with ten points, ahead of Italy (seven) and Belgium (six). Belgium, managed by Mark van Bommel, still has realistic chances, facing Turkey and hosting Italy in their remaining fixtures, while Italy plays France.

Group 2 remains wide open. Netherlands and Greece lead with eight points each, followed by Germany on five. All three could finish level on points. Netherlands plays Greece first, then Germany, while both Greece and Germany face Serbia.

Group 3 is settled: Spain has qualified for the knockout stage, and England is virtually assured of second place with a six-point cushion over Croatia and a superior head-to-head record (7-0 win). Group 4 sees Portugal already through with twelve points; Denmark (six) can still win the group if results align perfectly, while Wales and Norway (three each) remain in contention for second.