European football is heating up as the UEFA Nations League reaches its quarter-final stage this week. With eight of Europe’s top teams battling over two legs for a spot in the semi-finals, we take a closer look at the fixtures, format, and what’s at stake in this increasingly competitive tournament.
This stage will feature some of the biggest footballing nations in Europe, with two helpings of Netherlands vs Spain, Germany vs Italy, Portugal vs Denmark, and France vs Croatia all to look forward to this week.
With these two-legged ties set for Thursday, 20 March , and Sunday, 23 March, the competition’s expanded format means teams will have to fight even harder to secure a place in June’s final four.
Full UEFA Nations League Quarter-Final Schedule
| Date | Match | K.O Time | Stadium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, 20 March | Netherlands vs Spain | 20:45 | De Kuip, Netherlands |
| Thursday, 20 March | Croatia vs France | 20:45 | Stadion Poljud, Croatia |
| Thursday, 20 March | Denmark vs Portugal | 20:45 | Parken Stadium, Denmark |
| Thursday, 20 March | Italy v Germany | 20:45 | San Siro, Italy |
| Sunday, 23 March | Spain v Netherlands | 20:45 | Signal Iduna Park, Germany |
| Sunday, 23 March | France vs Croatia | 20:45 | Estádio José Alvalade, Portugal |
| Sunday, 23 March | Portugal vs Denmark | 20:45 | Mestalla Stadium, Spain |
| Sunday, 23 March | Germany vs Italy | 20:45 | Stade de France, France |
How does the Nations League Work?
The tournament was introduced by UEFA to replace meaningless friendlies with competitive fixtures. The format divides European nations into four leagues (A-D), with promotion and relegation ensuring competitiveness.
The 2024/25 edition introduced a new quarter-final round, with League A group winners facing the runners-up over two legs. This means teams that finished second in their groups still have a chance at the title, making the tournament more competitive than ever.
So, how did these teams get to this stage?
The Netherlands secured second place in Group A3, finishing behind Germany but edging out Hungary and Bosnia and Herzegovina to earn a spot in the quarter-finals.
Spain, the defending Nations League champions, once again demonstrated their dominance by topping Group A4 with the best record of any team in the A Groups with five wins and one draw.
Croatia fought their way into the quarter-finals by securing second place in Group A1, finishing behind Portugal.
France, winners of the 2021 edition, topped Group A2 on goal difference ahead of second placed Italy.
Denmark secured a hard-fought place in the quarter-finals, finishing well behind Spain in Group A4, and battling past Switzerland and Serbia to earn their place here.
Portugal, champions in 2019, continued to impress by finishing first in Group A1 and going unbeaten against Croatia, Poland, and Scotland.
Italy pushed France all the way in Group A2, before ultimately settling for the runner-up spot on goal difference.
Germany, on the other hand, took full control of Group A3, finishing ahead of Netherlands, Hungary, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Group A1
| Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | GF | GA | GD | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 13 | 5 | 8 | 14 |
| Croatia | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Scotland | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 8 | -1 | 7 |
| Poland | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 16 | -7 | 4 |
Group A2
| Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | GF | GA | GD | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 13 |
| Italy | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 8 | 5 | 13 |
| Belgium | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 9 | -3 | 4 |
| Israel | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 13 | -8 | 4 |
Group A3
| Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | GF | GA | GD | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 18 | 4 | 14 | 14 |
| Netherlands | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 13 | 7 | 6 | 9 |
| Hungary | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 11 | -7 | 6 |
| Bosnia & Herzegovina | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 17 | -13 | 2 |
Group A4
| Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | GF | GA | GD | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 13 | 4 | 9 | 16 |
| Denmark | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 8 |
| Serbia | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 6 |
| Switzerland | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 14 | -8 | 2 |
These two-legged battles will determine which four teams advance to the Nations League Finals in June, where a single host country will stage the semi-finals and final. The winner of Italy vs Germany will be awarded hosting rights for the final four.
What’s at Stake?
Since it’s questionable inception, it has evolved into a more respected competition, giving teams a shot at silverware while also providing additional qualification pathways to major tournaments.
The four quarter-final winners will book their place in the Nations League Finals from 4-8 June, 2025, where they will compete for the trophy.
Previous Champions
2018/19 – Portugal
- Hosted the inaugural tournament and defeated the Netherlands 1-0 in the final, thanks to a Gonçalo Guedes goal.
2020/21 – France
- Came from behind to beat Spain 2-1 in Milan, with Kylian Mbappé scoring the decisive goal.
2022/23 – Spain
- Defeated Croatia on penalties (5-4) after a goalless draw in the final in Rotterdam, securing their first Nations League title.
Who do you reckon will advance to the semi-finals? Get involved and place your bets here!
