UEFA Nations League Winner Predictions, Odds, Picks 2024/25

• The UEFA Nations League 2024/25 is the fourth edition of the European tournament

• Eight teams from League A will advance to the quarter-finals of the competition

• Spain are the current holders after coming out on top in 2023

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.

UEFA Nations League 2024/25 Odds

The odds for the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 are provided by bet365 Sportsbook. Use our promo code WSN365 and claim a bonus of your choice: $1,000 Safety Net Bet OR $150 in Bonus Bets.

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Who Will Win the UEFA Nations League 2024/25?

Spain (+300) at bet365

Spain are the Nations League holders and they also triumphed at the most recent edition of the European Championship. Luis de la Fuente is well suited to international soccer, while la Roja now have a good mix between patient possession play and more directness up front. 

Spain were held to a 0-0 draw by Serbia on matchday one, but they quickly took control of the group thereafter. De la Fuente’s team are the best in Europe right now, so it is no surprise they are the sportsbooks’ favorites. Spain will face the Netherlands in the quarter-finals.

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France (+350) at bet365

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. A 3-1 victory over Italy on Sunday saw them secure top spot in their group.

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 have tremendous strength in depth, so no one should write them off even without Mbappe. Croatia are up next in the quarters.

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Portugal (+350) at bet365

Portugal underwhelmed at last summer’s European Championship, but they have comfortably been the best team in their Nations League group. Cristiano Ronaldo and co. qualified for the last eight without a great deal of fuss.

Yet for all that, it remains to be seen how Portugal will fare against teams of an equal caliber. They are arguably flat-track bullies under Roberto Martinez, beating inferior sides but stumbling against the continent’s biggest forces. That is something Portugal must change, although they should beat Denmark in the quarter-finals.

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Germany (+400) at bet365

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 now second-favorites to lift the trophy at the Nations League Finals next year.

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 will take some stopping. They will face Italy in the last eight.

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Italy (+900) at bet365

Italy had little to cheer 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, so expectations and optimism were low ahead of the start of the Nations League in September.

However, the Azzurri did well in the group stage. Their first defeat did not arrive until matchday six, when they lost 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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Who Were the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 Winners?

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. 

How Does the Nations League Work?

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.

Why Was the Nations League Created?

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.

How Can I Watch the UEFA Nations League 2024/25?

• Dates: Sep. 5, 2024 - Jun. 8, 2025

• Location: Europe

• How to Watch: FuboTV, Fox Sports, Vix