The fifth UEFA Nations League kicks off its group stage on 24 September 2026, running through to 17 November. In total, 54 European nations are in the mix, with Russia still banned indefinitely following the invasion of Ukraine.
UEFA added a twist to the schedule this time by stretching the autumn window, which lets countries pack up to four fixtures into just two weeks. Beyond the silverware, these games offer a genuine backup route into the play-offs for UEFA Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup. It is also the end of an era for League D. Starting in the 2028/29 season, UEFA is switching to a cleaner three-tier format with 18 teams in each league.
Outright Favourites and Updated Fractional Odds
As the tournament gets underway, the betting market on 24 September puts France at the head of the pack at 11/4. European champions Spain sit right behind them at 3/1. Germany and England come next as joint third-favourites at 9/2. Portugal arrive at 8/1 to defend their crown. They remain the only side to win the competition twice, having edged Spain on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the 2024/25 final alongside their 2018/19 win. France and Spain hold one trophy each.
Further down the board, the Netherlands sit at 12/1, while Belgium and Norway are both priced at 16/1. Four-time world champions Italy and Denmark are out at 33/1, with Croatia listed at 50/1. The real long shots in League A include Türkiye and Serbia at 100/1, Greece at 125/1, and both Czechia and Wales down at 150/1.
Spotlight on the British Nations
There is plenty on the line for the home nations across Leagues A and B:
- England (League A, Group A3): Priced at 9/2, England landed in a demanding group with Spain, Croatia, and Czechia. Thomas Tuchel leads the side into their opener against Spain at Wembley on Saturday, 26 September. Preparation has not been clean. Five players dropped out ahead of the match: Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Tino Livramento, Kobbie Mainoo, and Marcus Rashford.
- Wales (League A, Group A4): Facing long 150/1 odds, Wales have a mountain to climb in a group featuring Portugal, Denmark, and Norway. Their campaign begins on Thursday, 24 September, heading straight into a tough away test against holders Portugal.
- Scotland (League B, Group B1): As the top seed in League B, Scotland share their group with Switzerland, Slovenia, and North Macedonia. The target is direct promotion back to the top tier, starting with an away trip to Slovenia on Saturday, 26 September.
- Northern Ireland (League B, Group B2): Slotted into League B alongside Hungary, Ukraine, and Georgia, Northern Ireland start their run away against Georgia on Friday, 25 September.
Competition Structure and Key Dates
League A sends its top two teams from each group straight to the two-legged quarter-finals in March 2027. The four winners from those ties move on to the Nations League Finals, set for 9 to 13 June 2027.
Meanwhile, group winners in League B secure automatic promotion to League A for the 2028/29 campaign.
Author:
Lucas Portela
Owner, BoldGambler • Avanhandava/SP
Oddsmaker, affiliate and content creator in the iGaming industry.