The UEFA Nations League 2024/25 season has provided an excellent platform for national teams to compete in a structured format, diverging from the often lackluster international friendlies. As the 2024-25 season progresses, the league phase has concluded, setting the stage for the finals and promotion/relegation play-offs.
This season, as with the previous, we saw blowout games, unexpected comebacks, and thrilling derby matches. After the completion of the first stage, we are ready for the coming matchups and the eventual finals that takes place in June 2025.
Nations League League Phase Standings
The league phase of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League featured 54 nations competing across four leagues. Each league consists of groups where the two top teams from each league move on to the next stage. While others face promotion or relegation battles.
However, League A is the most important one, allowing teams to advance and win the trophy. We already have four notable teams and early contenders to the throne.
Germany topped Group A3 with an impressive record, securing first place after a decisive 7-0 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina. This marked Germany’s return to form in the Nations League after struggling in previous editions. Spain, another strong contender, finished first in Group A2, showcasing their tactical prowess and depth in squad talent. Portugal and France also excelled in their respective groups, demonstrating consistent performances that underline their status as football powerhouses.
The introduction of a quarter-final stage for this season has added a new layer of competition. The top two teams from each group in League A qualify for these quarter-finals, which will be held in March 2025. Therefore, Croatia, Italy, the Netherlands, and Denmark will also join the quarter-final stage.
Nations League Finals
The finals of the UEFA Nations League are scheduled for June 2025. Featuring a new knockout format that includes quarter-finals for the first time. The semi-finals will take place on June 4 and 5, followed by the final on June 8.
Nations League Promotion/Relegation Play-Offs
Promotion and relegation are critical components of the UEFA Nations League structure, influencing team dynamics significantly. The last-place teams from each group in Leagues A, B, and C face relegation to a lower league. While third-placed teams enter play-offs to determine their fate.
For instance, Turkey are among those facing relegation concerns due to their performances this season. These matches will not only affect immediate standings but also have long-term implications for team development and international competitiveness.
Currently, third-place teams from Group A include Scotland, Belgium, Hungary, and Serbia. These teams will line up against runner-up teams from Group B Greece, Austria, Turkey, and Ukraine, for a spot in League A next season.
The same thing goes for League B vs League C matchups. Slovenia, Georgia, Iceland, and the Republic of Ireland go up against Slovakia, Kosovo, Bulgaria, and Armenia. Finally, League C vs League D matchups involve Latvia and Luxembourg going up against Malta and Gibraltar.
