UEFA Nations League: What Comes Next?

With the group stage of the UEFA Nations League complete, the competition now shifts into high gear with the highly anticipated playoff stage, featuring crucial relegation battles and a thrilling path to the ultimate title. The draw for these fixtures is scheduled for Friday, November 22.

Nations League A: Title Contenders

The top eight teams in League A will battle it out for the Nations League crown, starting with the quarterfinals. Heavyweights like Portugal, Croatia, France, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, and Denmark are set to compete for the trophy. Quarterfinal matches will take place from March 20 to 23, 2025, with the Final Four scheduled for early June.

Relegation Battles

The relegation playoffs will determine which teams remain in their current leagues for the next edition of the Nations League.

League A Playoffs

Teams finishing third in League A—Serbia, Hungary, Belgium, and Scotland—will face the runners-up from League B: Ukraine, Greece, Austria, and Turkey. The winners will secure their place in League A for the next cycle.

League B Playoffs

Third-placed teams from League B—Slovenia, Ireland, Iceland, and Georgia—will face the runners-up from League C: Slovakia, Kosovo, Bulgaria, and Armenia.

League C Playoffs

The two best fourth-placed teams from League C, Latvia and Luxembourg, will face League D runners-up—Gibraltar and Malta—in a bid to retain their League C status.

Key Dates to Watch

Playoff Matches: March 20–23, 2025
League A Quarterfinals: March 20–23, 2025
League A Semi-finals: June 4-5, 2025
League A Final: June 8, 2025

The Nations League’s revamped format ensures the stakes remain high throughout, offering fans a blend of high-intensity matchups and relegation drama. All eyes now turn to November 22 as the playoff draw sets the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating 2025.