As international football resumes, Sports Mole offers a comprehensive UEFA Nations League update, including fixtures, standings, and the story so far.
Putting a pause on club football’s frenetic fixture list for the next few days, international competition is back, and fans around Europe will now turn their attention to the UEFA Nations League.
With this season’s group phase condensed into just over three months, there is plenty to play for in November, as promotion, relegation and playoff places are all decided.
League A teams will be vying for a place in the new quarter-final stage, or perhaps hoping to avoid demotion to the tournament’s second tier.
From European champions Spain to minnows San Marino, there are a diverse range of sides fighting it out for precious points, so Sports Mole tries to make sense of it all by summing up the state of play.
UEFA Nations League, League A standings
Group 1
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Portugal vs. Poland (15 November 2024, 7:45pm | Estadio do Dragao, Porto)
Scotland vs. Croatia (15 November 2024, 7:45pm | Hampden Park, Glasgow)
Croatia vs. Portugal (18 November 2024, 7:45pm | Stadion Poljud, Split)
Poland vs. Scotland (18 November 2024, 7:45pm | Stadion Narodowy, Warsaw)
STORY SO FAR
Portugal are setting the pace following three wins from four, as the Selecao quickly overcame their disappointing exit from Euro 2024. Superstar striker Cristiano Ronaldo struck two in two against Croatia and Scotland, including his 900th goal in senior football.
His fellow veterans have also been to the fore, as Luka Modric scored a stunning free-kick in Croatia’s home victory over Poland, while Robert Lewandowski was on target as the Poles edged out Scotland in a five-goal thriller.
October’s goalless draw in Glasgow may have kept Portugal waiting, but they only need one point to guarantee their place in the quarter-finals.
Croatia will also qualify if they beat Scotland, or if they draw and Poland fail to win; Poland will be unable to reach the quarters if they lose to Portugal.
Meanwhile, Scotland will be relegated if they lose to Croatia with Poland avoiding defeat – or if they draw and Poland win.
Group 2
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Belgium vs. Italy (14 November 2024, 7:45pm | King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels)
France vs. Israel (14 November 2024, 7:45pm | Stade de France, Saint-Denis)
Israel vs. Belgium (17 November 2024, 7:45pm | Bozsik Arena, Budapest)
Italy vs. France (17 November 2024, 7:45pm | San Siro, Milan)
STORY SO FAR
After a tame last-16 elimination at the Euros, Italy have made a fast start in Group 2, with 10 points from a possible 12 so far.
The Azzurri kicked off their campaign with a stunning 3-1 victory over France, who sit second in the table after four matchdays.
Italy will now secure qualification if they draw or beat Belgium, while Les Bleus can guarantee a top-two spot if they avoid defeat to Israel or if Belgium do not beat Italy; the Belgians must win to stay in contention.
Israel are already ruled out of reaching the quarter-finals, and they will be relegated if they fail to better Belgium’s result on Thursday.
Group 3
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Germany vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina (16 November 2024, 7:45pm | Europa-Park Stadion, Freiburg)
Netherlands v Hungary (16 November 2024, 7:45pm | Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam)
Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Netherlands (19 November 2024, 7:45pm | Bilino Polje Stadium, Zenica)
Hungary vs. Germany (19 November 2024, 7:45pm | Puskas Arena, Budapest)
STORY SO FAR
Continental heavyweights Netherlands and Germany both fired home five goals on the opening matchday, before sharing four in an entertaining encounter between the old foes in Amsterdam.
While the Netherlands have since faltered, Die Mannschaft have already secured a top-two finish and are through to the quarter-finals.
The Oranje can ensure their spot with victory against Hungary, who will likewise secure qualification for the quarters if they win instead.
Meanwhile, Bosnia-Herzegovina must beat Germany and hope the other game ends all-square to stay in contention; they will be relegated if they lose in Freiburg – or if they draw and the Netherlands avoid defeat.
Group 4
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Denmark vs. Spain (15 November 2024, 7:45pm | Parken Stadium, Copenhagen)
Switzerland vs. Serbia (15 November 2024, 7:45pm | Stadion Letzigrund, Zürich)
Serbia vs. Denmark (18 November 2024, 7:45pm | Dubocica Stadium, Leskovac)
Spain vs. Switzerland (18 November 2024, 7:45pm | Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez, Santa Cruz de Tenerife)
STORY SO FAR
Not only are Spain reigning European champions, they also hold the UEFA Nations League trophy – and La Roja have already booked a spot in this season’s quarter-finals.
Denmark – who won their first two games under new coach Lars Knudsen without conceding – will also qualify if they beat Spain and Serbia fail to win, or if they draw and Serbia lose.
Meanwhile, Serbia will be unable to go through if they lose to Switzerland and Denmark avoid defeat – or if they draw and Denmark win.
After picking up just one point last month, Switzerland cannot make the top two and will be relegated if they do not beat Serbia in Zurich.
UEFA Nations League, League B standings
Group 1
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Georgia vs. Ukraine (16 November 2024, 5pm | Adjarabet Arena, Batumi)
Albania vs. Czech Republic (16 November 2024, 7:45pm | Arena Kombetare, Tirana)
Albania vs. Ukraine (19 November 2024, 7:45pm | Arena Kombetare, Tirana
Czech Republic vs. Georgia (19 November 2024, 7:45pm | Andruv Stadion, Olomouc)
STORY SO FAR
Having taken the Nations League route to Euro 2024 – where they delighted fans and neutrals alike by improbably making the knockout stage – Georgia returned to the competition in style.
Willy Sagnol‘s side put four past Czech Republic and then edged out Albania, establishing a three-point lead at the top. However, two losses last month took the wind out of their sails.
The Czechs overtook them by claiming four points in October and will now be promoted if they see off Albania and Georgia lose to Ukraine.
While neither Georgia or Albania’s fate can be decided until the final matchday, Ukraine will be out of the race for promotion if they lose in Batumi. In that case, they would also be relegated should Albania take maximum points.
Group 2
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Greece vs. England (14 November 2024, 7:45pm | Athens Olympic Stadium, Athens)
Republic of Ireland vs. Finland (14 November 2024, 7:45pm | Aviva Stadium, Dublin
England vs. Republic of Ireland (17 November 2024, 5pm | Wembley Stadium, London)
Finland vs. Greece (17 November 2024, 5pm | Helsinki Olympic Stadium, Helsinki)
STORY SO FAR
There is a significant gap between the top two and the bottom two, as Greece and England lead the way.
Harry Kane celebrated his 100th cap by taking his Three Lions tally to 68 goals as Lee Carsley‘s side defeated the Republic of Ireland and Finland in September – though they later lost 2-1 to the Greeks at Wembley.
As a result, Greece will be automatically promoted if they avoid defeat against England, who are virtually assured of at least a playoff place.
Meanwhile, Finland will be relegated if they fail to reverse last month’s result from Helsinki by beating Ireland in Dublin.
Group 3
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Kazakhstan vs. Austria (14 November 2024, 3pm | Astana Arena, Astana)
Slovenia vs. Norway (14 November 2024, 7:45pm | Stozice Stadium, Ljubljana)
Austria vs. Slovenia (17 November 2024, 5pm | Franz Horr Stadium, Vienna)
Norway vs. Kazakhstan (17 November 2024, 5pm | Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo)
STORY SO FAR
Two big-name strikers with roots in Salzburg helped their nation take four points from two matches in September, as Norway and Slovenia moved clear of Austria and Kazakhstan.
Erling Haaland was on target for the Norwegians, while Slovenia star Benjamin Sesko struck four times in four days – most notably netting a hat-trick against Kazakhstan.
However, the Austrians bit back with two wins and nine goals last month, so there is now a three-way tie at the top with two games remaining.
As a result, promotion cannot be definitively decided until the final matchday, but Kazakhstan face relegation unless they beat Austria.
Group 4
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Montenegro vs. Iceland (16 November 2024, 5pm | Podgorica City Stadium, Podgorica)
Turkey vs. Wales (16 November 2024, 5pm | Kadir Has Stadium, Kayseri)
Montenegro vs. Turkey (19 November 2024, 7:45pm | Podgorica City Stadium, Podgorica)
Wales vs. Iceland (19 November 2024, 7:45pm | Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff)
STORY SO FAR
Undefeated so far, Euro 2024 quarter-finalists Turkey are leading the way in Group 4 and will be automatically promoted if they beat Wales.
Craig Bellamy‘s first fixture as Cymru coach ended in a goalless stalemate with the Crescent-Stars, before two wins and another draw put the Dragons in good shape to at least clinch a playoff place.
Meanwhile, Iceland will be out of contention for the playoffs should they lose to Montenegro – or if Bellamy’s boys win in Kayseri.
Still seeking their first point, Montenegro are bound for relegation if they do not beat Iceland.
UEFA Nations League, League C standings
Group 1
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Azerbaijan vs. Estonia (16 November 2024, 2pm | Gabala City Stadium, Gabala)
Sweden vs. Slovakia (16 November 2024, 7:45pm | Nationalarenan, Solna)
Slovakia vs. Estonia (19 November 2024 7:45pm | Anton Malatinsky Stadium, Trnava)
Sweden vs. Azerbaijan (19 November 2024, 7:45pm | Nationalarenan, Solna)
STORY SO FAR
Sweden’s top-class strike pair Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres are filling their boots in Europe’s third tier, and Jon Dahl Tomasson‘s side have accrued 10 points so far.
Euro 2024 surprise package Slovakia join them on that mark after four matches, so either team can secure promotion to League B by beating the other in Solna.
Meanwhile, the bottom two must scrap to avoid automatic relegation: Estonia will seal survival if they avoid defeat by Azerbaijan, who have to win in order to defy the drop.
Group 2
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Cyprus vs. Lithuania (15 November 2024, 7:45pm | AEK Arena, Larnaca)
Romania vs. Kosovo (15 November 2024, 7:45pm | Arena Nationala, Bucharest)
Kosovo vs. Lithuania (18 November 2024, 7:45pm | Fadil Vokrri Stadium, Prishtina)
Romania vs. Cyprus (18 November 2024, 7:45pm | Arena Naționala, Bucharest)
STORY SO FAR
Another team that exceeded expectations at the Euros, Romania have secured four wins from four over the past couple of months.
Therefore, the Tricolorii will be automatically promoted if they avoid defeat to Kosovo, who must beat their hosts in Bucharest to remain contenders for top spot.
Relegation will de decided between Group 2’s bottom two: Cyprus can secure safety by picking up a point against Lithuania, meaning the latter have to win.
Group 3
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Luxembourg vs. Bulgaria (15 November 2024, 7:45pm | Stade de Luxembourg, Luxembourg)
Northern Ireland vs. Belarus (15 November 2024, 7:45pm | Windsor Park, Belfast)
Bulgaria vs. Belarus (18 November 2024, 7:45pm | Hristo Botev Stadium, Plovdiv)
Luxembourg vs. Northern Ireland (18 November 2024, 7:45pm | Stade de Luxembourg, Luxembourg)
STORY SO FAR
Having played out a goalless draw against each other on the opening matchday, Belarus and Bulgaria led the way following 1-0 wins in their second September fixtures.
However, Northern Ireland excelled in October and took top spot with a 5-0 thumping of their Bulgarian rivals.
They will therefore be promoted by beating Belarus if Bulgaria do not defeat winless Luxembourg, who will be confirmed in last place if they lose.
Group 4
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Armenia vs. Faroe Islands (14 November 2024, 5pm | Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium, Yerevan)
North Macedonia vs. Latvia (14 November 2024, 7:45pm | Tose Proeski Arena, Skopje)
Latvia vs. Armenia (17 November 2024, 2pm | Skonto Stadium, Riga)
North Macedonia vs. Faroe Islands (17 November 2024, 2pm | Tose Proeski Arena, Skopje)
STORY SO FAR
After being held to a 1-1 draw by Faroe Islands in their first fixture, North Macedonia seized control with three straight wins – each without conceding a goal.
The Lynxes will now be promoted if they manage to avoid defeat by three goals or more against Latvia.
The latter and Armenia can make sure of staying in League C by winning, while Faroe Islands are in the most precarious position – they will finish last if they lose and Latvia win.
UEFA Nations League, League D standings
Group 1
UPCOMING FIXTURES
San Marino vs. Gibraltar (15 November 2024, 7:45pm | San Marino Stadium, Serravalle)
Liechtenstein vs. San Marino (18 November 2024, 7:45pm | Rheinpark Stadion, Vaduz)
STORY SO FAR
After San Marino’s famous success in September – when the tiny microstate claimed their first win for 20 years, and a first-ever competitive victory – normal service was resumed with defeat last time out.
La Serenissima can still secure top spot and promotion to Europe’s third tier if they beat Gibraltar, who will also claim the same prize with victory in Serravalle.
San Marino’s victims Liechtenstein – who drew 2-2 with Gibraltar by converting a 104th-minute penalty – need that game to end in a draw, otherwise their hopes are over for another year.
Group 2
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Andorra vs. Moldova (16 November 2024, 5pm | Estadi Nacional, Andorra la Vella)
Malta vs. Andorra (19 November 2024, 7:45pm | National Stadium, Ta’ Qali)
STORY SO FAR
Leading the way alongside Malta, Moldova are favourites for promotion from Group 2, as they have a superior goal difference to their closest rivals with one game to go.
Andorra, meanwhile, are in need of a minor miracle: they must win both matches this month, and even maximum points may not be enough to claim top spot.
