The 2026-27 UEFA Nations League begins on Thursday with eight matches across the four leagues, launching a league phase that will run through November 17.
The opening night is headlined by Netherlands against Germany and defending champions Portugal hosting Wales. Norway face Denmark, while Serbia meet Greece in the other League A fixtures.
New eras for Germany and the Netherlands
The Netherlands-Germany match carries added attention because both teams enter the competition under new leadership. Xavi Hernández begins his tenure with the Dutch national team, while Jürgen Klopp takes charge of Germany for the first time.
The Netherlands have retained Virgil van Dijk as captain, while Memphis Depay was left out of Xavi’s first squad. Germany arrive at the start of a new cycle after the 2026 World Cup.
Portugal begin their title defence
Portugal open against Wales with Cristiano Ronaldo included in Jorge Jesus’ first squad as national-team coach. Portugal won the most recent Nations League edition and begin the new campaign in Group A4 alongside Norway, Denmark and Wales.
Friday’s schedule includes Italy against Belgium and Türkiye against France, while England’s highly anticipated meeting with Spain is set for Saturday.
The league phase will continue through mid-November, with promotion, relegation and knockout-stage qualification determined across the four divisions.
Sources: UEFA official Nations League fixture list and Matchday 1 preview, Sept. 24, 2026; Reuters squad and coaching reports. Image credit: Tkotw12 / Wikimedia Commons, UEFA Nations League trophy, CC BY-SA 4.0.
