The UEFA Nations League 2024/25 is the fourth edition of the European tournament
Eight teams from League A advanced to the quarter-finals of the competition
Spain are the current holders after coming out on top in 2022/23
The 2024/25 UEFA Nations League is the fourth edition of the tournament, which was created in 2018. The introduction of the competition was controversial, with many labeling it convoluted and complicated, and others deeming it unnecessary and pointless.
But while it did take a while for fans to get their heads around the format, it is fair to say that UEFA’s invention has been a success.
Fifty-four European nations are taking part in the competition, but only eight of those sides are in contention for the trophy. Let’s take a look at the leading contenders ahead of the Nations League’s return in March.
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Spain are the Nations League holders and they also triumphed at the most recent edition of the European Championship. With that in mind, it is no surprise to see them heading up the betting charts.
Spain dominated their group in 2024, collecting 16 points from a possible 18 to finish above Denmark, Serbia and Switzerland. Luis de la Fuente’s side have been drawn against the Netherlands in the quarter-finals, which are scheduled for next month.
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France have consistently been one of Europe’s top teams over the last few years, but they fell short at Euro 2024 and are now looking to make amends. Les Bleus won their Nations League group, edging out Italy in the race for top spot.
France have been without Kylian Mbappe for most of the campaign to date, but the Real Madrid frontman is expected to return for the quarter-finals in March. France will face Croatia in a two-legged tie.
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Portugal were disappointing at Euro 2024, but they encountered very few problems in the group phase of the Nations League. Cristiano Ronaldo and co. won four and drew two of their six matches at that phase of the competition.
It remains to be seen how Portugal will fare against teams of a similar caliber. They have been accused of being flat-track bullies under Roberto Martinez, but Portugal can prove the doubters wrong in March. They face Denmark in the last eight.
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Germany only reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, but based on their performances they were one of the best teams at the competition. The Nationalelf are in the mix to lift the trophy at the Nations League Finals, but first they must get past Italy in the quarters.
Germany secured their place in the last eight with two games to spare, having collected 10 points from their first four matches. Julian Nagelsmann is one of the brightest coaches in international soccer, so Germany are right to be considered among the contenders.
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Italy had little to cheer about at Euro 2024. They scraped through the group stage in unconvincing fashion, before being well beaten by Switzerland in the round of 16. This is not a vintage crop of Italian players, but Italy did pretty well in the Nations League group stage.
Indeed, their first defeat did not arrive until matchday six, when the Azzurri went down 3-1 to France. Italy finished well clear of Belgium in second place and now have a quarter-final against Germany to look forward to.
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Spain were the winners of the 2022/23 UEFA Nations League. They topped their League A group ahead of Portugal, Switzerland, and Czech Republic, before beating Italy and Croatia in the Finals.
All UEFA members (excluding banned Russia) are split into four leagues based on their performance in the previous edition of the Nations League.
Teams ranked one to 16 compete in League A, 17-32 in League B, 33-48 in League C, and 49-54 in League D. Leagues A, B, and C are then divided into four groups containing four teams each. League D is divided into two groups.
Teams play each other side in their group home and away. Those that finish in the top two of groups in League A qualify for the quarter-finals, and the winners of those ties go forward to the Nations League Finals. The sides that finish top of the groups in League B, League C, and League D are promoted to the league above, while those that finish bottom of these groups are relegated to the one below.
There is one exception: in League C, relegation play-offs are held between the four bottom-placed teams to determine the two which are relegated to League D.
The primary reason for the creation of the Nations League was to provide European teams with regular, meaningful matches against opponents of a similar standard.
There is something for everyone in this tournament. League A games involving European heavyweights tend to attract the attention of neutrals, but the Nations League has been valuable for sides in League C and League D too.
For instance, it has given the likes of San Marino and Andorra an opportunity to take on other minnows, which is far more useful than one-sided contests against Germany or France.
The format also provides smaller nations with another potential route into the European Championship and the World Cup, as explained above.
Moreover, players, fans and coaches alike are more engaged by Nations League games than the non-competitive friendlies which clogged up the calendar previously.
Dates: Sep. 5, 2024 - Jun. 8, 2025
Location: Europe
How to Watch: FuboTV, Fox Sports, Vix
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