UEFA Nations League 2026/27: Format, Fixtures and Portugal’s Title Defence

From Lisbon to Rotterdam, the UEFA Nations League returns this week with a longer early-autumn window and immediate heavyweight fixtures across League A. Portugal begin as holders after taking the 2024/25 title from Spain, while the competition also starts its transition towards a reduced three-league structure in 2028/29.

European teams will generally play four Nations League matches over the next two weeks. The league phase then resumes in November and will shape routes towards Euro 2028 in England and the Republic of Ireland, as well as the European qualifying play-offs for the 2030 World Cup.

Quick facts

• League phase matchdays run from 24 September to 17 November 2026.
• League A begins on Thursday with the Netherlands facing Germany.
• Portugal host Wales, while Serbia play Greece and Norway meet Denmark.
• Friday brings Italy against Belgium and Turkey versus France.
• England host Spain in Saturday’s standout fixture.
• Quarter-finals and League A and B play-offs are scheduled for 25-30 March 2027.
• The final phase is due to take place from 9-13 June 2027.

Thursday’s opening programme carries a distinctly northern European feel, with the Netherlands and Germany meeting in one of the round’s major tests. Portugal’s home match against Wales comes with the champions back on the field after their successful defence of the trophy’s prestige on the Iberian stage.

Portugal beat Spain on penalties in the last final after a 2-2 draw that remained level through extra time. The Portuguese had also won the inaugural edition in 2018/19; France and Spain have each lifted the Nations League once.

The tournament was created to replace a large share of international friendlies with meaningful competitive fixtures. Its system includes movement between divisions, and the current campaign’s promotion and relegation arrangements are designed to prepare for the new format.

From 2028/29, the Nations League will contain three leagues rather than four, with 18 national teams in each division. A further set of play-off dates is listed for 23-28 March 2028 as the competition moves towards that revised landscape.

2026/27 Nations League calendar

The first four matchdays are compressed into the extended FIFA window spanning late September and early October. The group phase concludes with two rounds in November.

The November finish will determine which sides proceed from the league stage, with the leading teams moving into March’s quarter-finals. By June 2027, another Nations League winner will be decided before the competition begins reshaping itself for the following cycle.