The UEFA Nations League is gathering momentum, with the latest round of fixtures producing major victories, surprise results and renewed pressure on several of Europe’s leading football nations.
At the centre of the latest action are defending champions Portugal, who have emerged as the first team to secure a place in the quarter-finals after extending their perfect run in Group A4.
Portugal defeated Norway 2-1 on Sunday to make it four victories from four matches.
João Cancelo cancelled out Kristoffer Ajer’s opener before Gonçalo Ramos struck the decisive goal 11 minutes from time.
The result moved Portugal six points clear of Denmark and guaranteed the holders a top-two finish.
The Portuguese achievement is particularly significant because it came without Cristiano Ronaldo.
The veteran forward’s abrupt departure from the squad had threatened to dominate the headlines, but Portugal have responded with three victories since his absence became the major talking point.
Earlier, Portugal had produced one of the weekend’s most impressive results by beating Denmark 4-2 in Copenhagen. João Cancelo, Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha and João Félix were on target, while Mikkel Damsgaard and Rasmus Højlund scored for Denmark.
Spain are another major force enjoying an outstanding Nations League campaign. The reigning world champions defeated Croatia 4-1, with Lamine Yamal scoring twice as Spain extended their unbeaten run to 40 matches.
Marc Pubill and Nico Williams also scored, while Croatia briefly threatened a comeback through Dion Beljo.
England have also bounced back from defeat to Spain. After losing a thrilling 3-2 encounter at Wembley, Thomas Tuchel’s side responded with a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic. Anthony Gordon opened the scoring before Harry Kane added the second, while the Czech Republic played much of the match with 10 men following Pavel Šulc’s dismissal.
Germany, meanwhile, finally gave supporters something to celebrate under new coach Jürgen Klopp.
A 2-0 victory over Serbia, secured through goals from Tom Bischof and Florian Wirtz, delivered Klopp’s first win since taking charge. The result was especially welcome after Germany had suffered an earlier defeat to Greece.
The Netherlands also strengthened their position by defeating Serbia 2-1, with Joshua Zirkzee scoring the winner. Greece remain unbeaten after holding Germany to a goalless draw in the latest round, leaving the group finely balanced.
Italy, after suffering disappointment earlier in the competition, produced an emphatic response by defeating Turkey 4-1 away from home. France also edged Belgium 1-0 through a late Michael Olise goal, while Switzerland overwhelmed Scotland 3-0.
For the losers, Norway, Denmark, Serbia, Croatia and the Czech Republic have all suffered setbacks at crucial moments. Wales also went down 1-0 to Denmark after a late Rasmus Højlund penalty, while Germany’s struggles before their victory highlighted how unpredictable the competition has become.
The current campaign is also significant because UEFA has announced a major restructuring of the Nations League from 2028/29. The competition will eventually move toward three main divisions of 18 teams, with League D discontinued. The 2026/27 campaign is therefore serving as a transitional season featuring special promotion and relegation arrangements.
The latest standings suggest that Portugal and Spain are setting the early benchmark. But with England, France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands all capable of producing big performances, the battle for the remaining quarter-final places remains wide open.
For now, Portugal are the team to beat. The holders have combined results with resilience, while Spain’s remarkable unbeaten run and England’s response to defeat underline the quality at the top of European international football.
The Nations League may still sit behind the European Championship and World Cup in prestige, but the latest round has once again demonstrated why the competition has become one of the most competitive fixtures on the international calendar.
