Published By: Sayan Guha

What’s the UEFA Nations League All About? And Why Should You Care?

Since its launch, the Nations League has been a hit with players and fans alike

You've undoubtedly heard of the UEFA Nations League, but you're not alone if you need to figure out what it is. The Nations League may appear to be simply another football competition stuffed into an already jammed schedule, but it is far more than that. Consider it a game changer, providing us with something far more thrilling than those dull, useless, international-friendly matches. So, let's get started!

What exactly is the Nations League?

The UEFA Nations League is a football competition for European national teams launched by UEFA in 2018. It occurs every two years and is intended to replace the uninteresting friendly matches. Instead of merely competing for pride, teams now have something to strive for, such as a trophy and, for some, the opportunity to qualify for the European Championship and the World Cup. Sounds like a fantastic bargain, right?

The Nations League was established to make international football more competitive and, to be honest, more entertaining to watch. So, instead of sailing through easy friendlies, the best teams suddenly confront genuine challenges. Furthermore, even smaller countries receive their turn in the limelight.

How does it work?

Here's when things become interesting. The Nations League splits UEFA's 55 member nations into four divisions (A, B, C, and D). It's similar to a football pyramid, with the top team in League A and the bottom ones in League D. Teams in each league are divided into groups and compete against one another both at home and away. Teams are promoted or demoted based on their performance, similar to your preferred club's domestic league.

If you're in League A, you have a shot to win it all. League A's four group winners advance to the knockout round, which includes the semifinals, a third-place playoff, and the grand final. And yes, there is a nice trophy at the end of it.

Who plays in the Nations League?

Every European nation is given a chance, from football powerhouses like France, Germany, and Spain to minor sides like San Marino and Gibraltar. The Nations League is unique in that it pits teams of comparable skill levels against one another. So, you won't see France crush a more minor team by ten goals; everyone gets a fair shot.

Even the lowest leagues are competitive. For the nations in Leagues C and D, it's an opportunity to advance up the rankings and establish themselves. And, let's be honest, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for some of these countries to shine in Europe.

The link with the Euro Cup and World Cup

Here's where it gets juicy. Winning the Nations League doesn't just bring a trophy; it can also offer a backdoor into the UEFA European Championship or even the World Cup. If a team doesn't qualify through the traditional route, they might still get a second chance via the Nations League playoffs. That's why it's not just a 'for fun' tournament—there's a lot at stake.

For example, teams that do well in the Nations League can secure a playoff spot for the European Championships. And for the World Cup? While it's a bit more complicated, the Nations League also offers a potential lifeline to teams that narrowly miss out on direct qualification.

A look back at past winners

So far, we've seen three Nations League champions crowned:

2018–19: Portugal

Portugal won the Nations League for the first time, led by the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo. They defeated the Netherlands 1-0 in the final, with Gonçalo Guedes scoring the goal.

2020-2021: France

France won the trophy in 2021 with a stunning 2-1 victory against Spain. Kylian Mbappé scored the winning goal, again demonstrating why he is one of the world's finest.

2022–23: Spain

Spain won the championship in the most recent edition, defeating Croatia on penalties after a goalless draw. It was a thrilling conclusion to a tournament with many twists and turns.

What makes the Nations League different?

You might wonder, "How is this different from other tournaments like the Euro or World Cup?" For starters, it only applies to national teams, not clubs. However, what truly distinguishes it is the promotion and relegation system. It means there's always something at stake, whether it's a chance at the championship or avoiding relegation to a lower league.

Also, there is minimal waiting time because it has been played for almost two years. Fans may enjoy more competitive international matches without waiting for the next major event. It's like a mini-World Cup or Euros every two years!