2025 Nations League introduces new knockout round structure

The 2025 Nations League is underway with new formats and significant games taking place. This week marks the start of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Europe, alongside ongoing Nations League matches. Thomas Tuchel, the new England manager, will make his debut as his team faces Albania and Latvia in the qualifiers. The Nations League has introduced a quarter-final round and promotion/relegation play-offs among its four tiers. UEFA hopes these changes will link the group phase ending in November to the finals in June. The group stage began in September 2024 and includes 54 teams divided into four leagues, A to D. Teams that finish first in Leagues B, C, and D earn promotion, while the last-placed teams could be relegated. Teams are also competing for quarter-finals and play-off positions. Upcoming games include crucial matches for teams at risk of relegation. Belgium, currently ranked eighth in FIFA, needs to defeat Ukraine to avoid dropping to League B. Scotland faces a similar challenge against Greece, and the Republic of Ireland is at risk against Bulgaria. Quarter-finals will also occur, with the top two teams from each League A group advancing. Major matchups include Netherlands vs. Spain and Croatia vs. France. Winners will move on to a four-team tournament in June, culminating in the Nations League finals. The winners will receive a trophy and prize money, with past winners Spain getting €10.5 million. The Nations League performance now also plays a role in deciding UEFA spots for the 2026 World Cup. Twelve group winners will qualify automatically, while four additional spots will be determined through play-offs involving runners-up and top Nations League teams.