2024/25 UEFA Nations League: A Guide
The UEFA Nations League: How does it work, what is it, and why should I care about it?
Last weekend, the Premier League was forced into an international break due to the upcoming 2024/25 UEFA Nations League. The fourth edition of the league began with the league phase draw in Paris in February, and the games kicked off from the first weekend of September. As one of the less popular international competitions, the UEFA Nations League can fly over some peoples’ heads, especially after the changes to the league format this season. So, what exactly is the UEFA Nations League, what has changed, and why is it worth watching?
What is the UEFA Nations League?
The UEFA Nations League was introduced in the 2018-19 football season, intending to eliminate friendly matches that lack the competition that drives fans to watch, bet, and emotionally invest in the beautiful game. It gives nations the opportunity to compete against one another with equally ranked teams, minimising the need for friendlies that bring no value to a team.
The 2024/25 UEFA Nations League kicked off on September 5th, and 54 of the worlds men’s national teams will compete over a series of 324 games until the finals in June. Throughout the competition, the teams in League A, B, and C will play six matches in their group, one at home and one away against the each of the other three nations in the group. The teams in League D will play four matches in their group, one home and one away against the other two nations.
What are the League Groups in the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League?
League A
Group A1: Croatia, Portugal, Poland, Scotland
Group A2: Italy, Belgium, France, Israel
Group A3: Netherlands, Hungary, Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Group A4: Spain, Denmark, Switzerland, Serbia
League B
Group B1: Czech Republic, Ukraine, Albania, Georgia
Group B2: England, Finland, Republic of Ireland, Greece
Group B3: Austria, Norway, Slovenia, Kazakhstan
Group B4: Wales, Iceland, Montenegro, Turkey
League C
Group C1: Sweden, Azerbaijan, Slovakia, Estonia
Group C2: Romania, Kosovo, Cyprus, Lithuania
Group C3: Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Northern Ireland, Belarus
Group C4: Armenia, Faroe Islands, North Macedonia, Latvia
League D
Group D1: Gibraltar, San Marino, Liechtenstein
Group D2: Moldova, Malta, Andorra
What and When are the Fixtures for the 2024/25 Nations League?
Matchday 1: 5-7 September 2024
Matchday 2: 8-10 September 2024
Matchday 3: 10-12 October 2024
Matchday 4: 13-15 October 2024
Matchday 5: 14-16 November 2024
Matchday 6: 17-19 November 2024
Knockout round play-off draw: November 2024
Knockout round play-offs: 20-25 March 2025
League A quarter-finals: 20-25 March 2025
Final tournament: 4-8 June 2025
What has Changed in the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League?
The UEFA Nations League has undergone a few changes to provide more competitive matches, create a more engaging experience for the fans, and offer nations additional opportunities for international football.
One of the key changes made for the fourth edition of the UEFA Nations League is the introduction of a knockout round. Previously, the four League A winners would progress straight up to the final four. Now, however, the four winners will face League A runners-up in home-and-away quarter-finals in order to qualify for the final four sports. The knockout round will be played in March 2025, bridging the gap between the group phase (November) and the finals (June).
Alongside that, there have been some changes to the promotion and relegation format.
- League A: The bottom-placed teams in League A will be relegated to League B.
- League B: The fourth-placed teams in League B will be relegated to League C.
- League C: The two lowest-ranked fourth-placed teams in League C will be relegated to League D.
- Promotion: The group winners in Leagues B, C, and D will be promoted to the higher league.
- Play-offs: Promotion/relegation play-offs will be held between certain teams in League A and B, as well as League B and C.
When are the Knockout Rounds?
Knockout round play-off draw: November, 2024
Knockout round play-offs: March 20-25th, 2025
League A quarter-finals: 20-25 March 2025
Semi-finals: June 4-5, 2025
Final: June 8, 2025
One of the nations who reach the final four will be decided to host the semi-finals and beyond.
UEFA Nations League Trophy
What do the winners of the UEFA Nations League actually get? Well, what is an international football match without its trophy? Representing all 55 UEFA National Associations, the UEFA Nations League trophy is a sterling silver, 71cm beauty. Each team that wins has their name engraved on the trophy – so right now, it reads Spain, Portugal and France. As well as that, all the teams that compete receive a portion of prize money. After winning the 2023/24 UEFA League, Spain were awarded 10.5 million Euros, with runners-up Croatia taking home 9 million Euros, and all participating countries receiving at least 0.5 million Euros.