The composition of the groups for the forthcoming edition of the UEFA Nations League is now definitive. The ceremony determining the fate of the continent’s national teams unfolded in the Belgian capital, Brussels, on Thursday, setting the stage for the 2026-27 competition. The draw, a pivotal moment for coaches and federations alike, has produced a series of compelling fixtures across the various leagues.
League A: A Gathering of Titans
In the premier division, League A, the draw has assembled some of the most formidable squads in European football into intensely competitive quartets. Group A1 emerges as a particularly daunting challenge, featuring the recent world champions France alongside Italy, Belgium, and Turkey. Not to be outdone, Group A3 promises a spectacle of its own, pitting Spain against Croatia, England, and the Czech Republic.
Meanwhile, Group A2 will witness a classic Northern European rivalry renewed, as Germany and the Netherlands are joined by Serbia and Greece. Completing the top tier, Group A4 is headlined by Portugal, who will contend with the disciplined sides of Denmark and Norway, as well as the resurgent Wales.
League B: The Battle for Promotion
The groups in League B present a clear pathway to elevation for ambitious nations. Group B1 appears finely balanced, with Scotland set to face Switzerland, Slovenia, and North Macedonia in a tightly contested battle for supremacy. In the neighboring Group B2, a distinct Eastern European flavor prevails, featuring Hungary, Ukraine, Georgia, and Northern Ireland, each team harboring aspirations of climbing into the elite division.
With the fixtures now confirmed, national team managers will commence their meticulous preparations for a tournament that not only offers prestigious silverware but also serves as a crucial qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The journey towards the next champion of the UEFA Nations League officially begins.