Complete Guide to Nations League 2024/25: Fixtures, Teams, Venues & More

UEFA Nations League 2024/25: A New Chapter in International Football

The UEFA Nations League is back, kicking off its fourth edition this week. This innovative tournament was established to replace traditional friendlies with competitive matches, creating meaningful and engaging fixtures that resonate with football fans across Europe. This year, the Nations League will also play a significant role in the qualification process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Key Fixtures to Watch

Interim England manager Lee Carsley faces a challenging matchup against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Saturday. Meanwhile, Scotland prepares for a crucial opener against Poland at Hampden Park this Thursday. In addition, Craig Bellamy starts his tenure as the Wales manager against Euro 2024 quarter-finalists Turkey at Cardiff City Stadium this Friday.

England's Tough Road Ahead

England, now led by interim head coach Lee Carsley, is looking to gather momentum in their group, which includes Finland and Greece. They'll first visit the Republic of Ireland before returning to play at home in subsequent fixtures. The team's journey is crucial, especially following their relegation in the previous edition.

Scotland's Ambitious Campaign

Scotland has been promoted to League A and aims to solidify their status among Europe’s elite. With fixtures against Poland, Portugal, and Croatia, the Scots are keen to make a mark in this year's competition.

Wales' Aspirations Under New Management

Craig Bellamy's reign begins with a challenging match against Turkey, and they cannot afford to slip up against Montenegro shortly after. A strong performance could set the tone for their campaign, providing vital points towards promotion in League B.

Nations League Format Explained

This edition features a familiar league structure where each of the 54 UEFA member associations competes in six matches — three at home and three away. The tournament's format is designed to encourage intense competition, with relegation and promotion imbuing the matches with heightened stakes.

Promotion and Relegation System

• The four teams finishing bottom in Leagues A and B will drop to Leagues B and C respectively.
• The top teams from Leagues B and C, as well as runners-up of League D, have the chance for promotion.
• Crucially, the Nations League has introduced a knockout phase for the top teams in League A, culminating in finals in June 2025.

World Cup 2026 Qualification via Nations League

The Nations League serves as a pathway for teams to qualify for the upcoming World Cup. The top-ranked teams not automatically qualifying for the tournament will have the opportunity to enter playoffs, increasing the competition's relevance in the broader context of international football.

How Does the Qualification Process Work?

1. The performance in the Nations League will factor into seeding for World Cup qualifying groups.
2. Teams will compete in 12 groups, where only the top finishers earn automatic qualification.
3. The best-performing runners-up and Nations League winners will enter into playoffs for a chance to secure one of the final spots in the World Cup.

Complete Nations League 2024/25 Schedule

League A Groups

• 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 Groups

• 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.

Key Upcoming Fixtures by Country

Scotland Fixtures

• Scotland vs Poland - 05/09/24
• Portugal vs Scotland - 08/09/24
• ... More fixtures pending completion ...

England Fixtures

• Republic of Ireland vs England - 07/09/24
• England vs Finland - 10/09/24
• ... More fixtures pending completion ...

Wales Fixtures

• Wales vs Turkey - 06/09/24
• Montenegro vs Wales - 09/09/24
• ... More fixtures pending completion ...

Northern Ireland Fixtures

• Northern Ireland vs Luxembourg - 05/09/24
• Bulgaria vs Northern Ireland - 08/09/24
• ... More fixtures pending completion ...

Conclusion

As the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 kicks off, fans are buzzing with anticipation for the competitive fixtures ahead. This tournament not only promises exciting matches but also plays a crucial role in the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.