The football world has barely moved beyond the excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but Europe is already preparing for another major international competition as the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League gets underway.
The fifth edition of the tournament begins with the league phase running from September to November 2026, before the decisive quarter-finals in March 2027 and the final tournament from June 9 to 13, 2027.
The competition has grown considerably in importance since its introduction, replacing many traditional international friendlies with competitive matches between nations of broadly comparable strength.
It also provides promotion and relegation, meaning every match carries consequences beyond the immediate result.
And this year’s tournament could be particularly intriguing because several of Europe’s biggest football nations are entering new phases.
Portugal arrive as defending champions
Portugal enter the competition as the reigning Nations League champions after defeating Spain on penalties in the 2025 final.
They will therefore be seeking to become the first nation to win the competition more than twice. Portugal previously lifted the inaugural trophy in 2019.
However, retaining the trophy will be difficult.
Portugal have been drawn into Group A4 alongside Denmark, Norway and Wales, immediately creating an interesting battle featuring Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal against Erling Haaland’s Norway.
Haaland, who is already the Nations League’s all-time leading scorer with 19 goals, provides Norway with a major attacking threat.
Spain face an enormous challenge
Spain are among the headline contenders after their impressive recent record in the competition. They won the 2023 edition and reached the 2025 final, losing to Portugal on penalties.
Their group is anything but comfortable.
Spain have been drawn with England, Croatia and Czechia, meaning every match could have major consequences. Spain and England will also renew the rivalry that developed from the Euro 2024 final.
The presence of young stars such as Lamine Yamal also gives Spain an exciting new generation around which to build.
France, Italy and Türkiye could produce fireworks
Group A1 may be one of the most unpredictable sections, with France, Italy, Belgium and Türkiye together.
France remain one of Europe’s deepest squads, while Italy have brought back Roberto Mancini for his second spell as coach. Türkiye, meanwhile, have an opportunity to test themselves against three established European powers.
The group should produce some of the competition’s most closely watched matches.
Germany begin the Klopp era
Another major storyline will be Germany, who face the Netherlands, Serbia and Greece in Group A2.
Germany’s appointment of Jürgen Klopp means this Nations League campaign represents a new chapter for one of Europe’s most successful football nations. Klopp’s first competitive assignment will be particularly intriguing because Germany open against the Netherlands.
The Netherlands are also entering a new era under Xavi Hernández, creating an immediate clash between two high-profile new managerial projects.
Where could the surprises come from?
The Nations League’s league structure means surprises are possible.
Norway’s presence in League A is particularly interesting. With Haaland leading the attack, they have the firepower to trouble Portugal, Denmark and Wales. Sweden are another team worth watching after earning promotion to League A, with Viktor Gyökeres having been the top scorer in the previous edition.
At the lower levels, the Faroe Islands could also provide one of the tournament’s unexpected stories after collecting 12 points in their World Cup European qualifying campaign.
The road to the final
The top two teams in each League A group will advance to the quarter-finals. Those ties will be played over two legs in March 2027, with the four winners advancing to the final tournament in June.
The semi-finals and final will then be single-leg matches, guaranteeing a dramatic conclusion.
Who could win?
On the basis of recent Nations League performances and the strength of the leading squads, Portugal, Spain, France, England and Germany are among the nations that will attract the most attention as potential champions.
Portugal have the advantage of entering as defending champions, while Spain have reached the last two finals.
France possess considerable tournament experience, England have a generation capable of challenging Europe’s elite, and Germany’s new era under Klopp adds another fascinating dimension.
But the Nations League has repeatedly demonstrated that reputations alone do not decide matches.
With Portugal defending their crown, Spain seeking another final, France rebuilding, Germany beginning a new era and Norway threatening to upset the established order, the 2026/27 Nations League promises to be one of Europe’s most compelling international football competitions.
The first answers will begin arriving immediately, with major fixtures including Netherlands vs Germany, England vs Spain, Italy vs France, and Portugal vs Wales setting the tone for the campaign.
