Frank Christian
The UEFA Nations League has become a recognized tournament among football fans, even if it has yet to achieve the same level of prestige as events like the FIFA World Cup or the European Championship. Countries are now eager to secure victory in this tournament, treating it as a valuable addition to their accolades.
Entering its fourth season, with previous winners including Portugal, France, and Spain, the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League is nearing its critical phase.
This article explores the potential outcomes for each team, assesses England’s chances of promotion, and speculates on how the current Nations League edition might end.
Changes in the UEFA Nations League Format for 2024/25
This season introduces a new quarterfinal and playoff stage scheduled for March 2025. The top two teams from each League A group will compete in two-legged quarterfinals. Leagues B, C, and D will maintain a single promotion spot, while third-placed teams in League A and B will enter playoffs against the second-placed teams from the lower leagues.
Winners from League D1 and D2 will automatically rise to League C, while the two lowest-ranked teams in League C will face relegation. Other last-place teams in League C will compete in playoffs with League D runners-up.
Counting down to Thursday #NationsLeague | #AdidasNTF | @adidasfootball pic.twitter.com/7HhKlQ8Swx
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) November 12, 2024
Qualifying Scenarios for the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League Final
The league stage concludes on November 19. Below are the qualification scenarios for each Nations League group, updated as of November 14.
League A
In Group 1, Portugal lead and need to avoid significant losses in their remaining games to secure a quarterfinal place. Croatia is currently in second place and can progress by beating Scotland, who face the threat of relegation alongside Poland.
Italy and France from Group 2 have ensured their progression, with Italy holding the seeded spot. Israel sits at the bottom without any points, facing an uphill battle.
Germany has secured its quarterfinal spot in Group 3. Netherlands and Hungary are in contention for the remaining spot, with a crucial match upcoming. Bosnia and Herzegovina needs wins to avoid relegation.
Spain is also through, currently holding 10 points in Group 4. Switzerland is likely facing relegation, trailing both Serbia and Denmark.
Teams Qualified for the UEFA Nations League Quarterfinals 2024/25
| Teams |
| Germany |
| Spain |
| Italy |
| France |
League B
Group B1 is competitive with Czechia, Georgia, Albania, and Ukraine all still vying for promotion while facing relegation risks.
Greece leads Group B2, but England has made a strong bid for promotion with a significant recent victory, needing a win in their final match. Finland is guaranteed relegation, while the Republic of Ireland has secured a playoff spot.
In Group 3, Norway and Austria are in good form, with Slovenia hoping for promotion depending on a key result. Kazakhstan is set for relegation.
Finally, Turkey is assured a playoff spot in Group 4; however, Wales, Iceland, and Montenegro face various promotion and relegation scenarios.
League C
Group C1 sees both Sweden and Slovakia positioned to secure playoff spots, with their upcoming match expected to be pivotal. Azerbaijan cannot pursue promotion this season.
Romania is in a strong position in Group 2, while Kosovo also looks likely to advance. Cyprus and Lithuania cannot move up.
Group 3 remains competitive with Northern Ireland, Belarus, and Bulgaria all in contention for promotion. Luxembourg is struggling at the bottom of the group.
North Macedonia is set to be promoted from Group 4, while Armenia, Latvia, and The Faroe Islands risk dropping down.
League D
League D features two groups, with Liechtenstein unable to secure automatic promotion. In Group 1, Gibraltar and San Marino are in a chase for first, while in Group 2, Malta and Moldova are tied at six points, and Andorra still searching for points.
Can England Achieve Promotion?
Yes, but the path won’t be straightforward. England aims to return to League A after a disappointing last season. Their unexpected loss to Greece has complicated matters, placing them behind in Group B2, currently sitting on nine points.
To secure direct promotion, England needs to defeat Greece in Athens by a notable margin, followed by a solid win against Ireland at Wembley.
Failure to achieve that could see England finishing second, likely leading to a playoff for promotion, or even a potential fight against relegation depending on their final group standing.
