UEFA Nations League: All you need to know

Portugal defend their title while England seek a first win; promotion, relegation and Euro 2028 qualification spots are at stake across 54 nations.

The UEFA Nations League returns for its fifth edition with 54 European nations competing across four divisions. Portugal are defending champions after beating Spain on penalties in the 2025 final, while England are chasing their first title under Thomas Tuchel.

The competition is divided into Leagues A, B, C and D, with Leagues A, B and C containing 16 teams each split into four groups of four, and League D featuring six teams in two groups of three. Teams play each opponent twice, earning three points for a win and one for a draw. The top two in each League A group qualify for quarter-finals, with winners progressing to the Nations League Finals in June 2027.

Promotion and relegation are central to the format. The four group winners in League B are promoted to League A, while League C winners move to League B. For 2026/27, the two lowest-ranked fourth-placed teams in League A are automatically relegated to League B, with other promotion and relegation positions decided by play-offs.

The league phase runs September to November 2026, with quarter-finals and play-offs in March 2027 and the Finals in June 2027.