The League Phase of the 2024/25 Nations League has reached its conclusion and there were plenty of winners and losers among the 54 nations competing. In this article, we’ll outline the main talking points, including a look at how the Home Nations performed. We’ll start, however, by explaining what happens next in the competition.
What Happens in the Next Phase of the Nations League?
The quarter-final line-up is confirmed ✅
Who is going to lift the #NationsLeague trophy? 🏆 pic.twitter.com/ebr4IHr1DU
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) November 19, 2024
The groups (12 of four teams and two groups of three) have all been decided, so what happens next?
For some sides, their Nations League 2024/25 journey is over. This is not necessarily a bad thing. For instance, teams who finished at the top of their group in League B, C or D have gained promotion to the League above (A, B, or C, respectively). On the other hand, sides that finished bottom of their groups in League A or B will be relegated to the tier below.
Top Two
For the top two sides in each of the four League A groups, there will be two-legged quarter-finals, taking place in March 2025. The winners of those will progress to the semis, before the final (and third place play-off), all of which take place in June 2025.
Play-Offs
Aside from the matches to decide the Nations League winners, there are various play-offs to determine the level at which certain sides will compete during the 2026/27 renewal of the competition (which doesn’t start until October 2026). The four sides who finished third in groups from League A will compete in two-legged play-offs against the four sides who finished second in groups from League B. The winners will play in League A next time, while the losers will drop into League B.
Similarly, the sides that finished third in League B groups will have two-legged play-offs against the runners-up from League C groups to determine which will be playing in League B (and C) next time around. Finally, the two best-ranked fourth-placed sides from League C groups will face the two runners-up from League D groups.
Is all that clear? Great. Let’s take a look at the sides who’ve experienced success and failure in the competition so far.
Winners and Losers of the League Phase
Let’s start with the eight sides who progress to the quarter-finals, and hence have a chance of actually winning the Nations League.
Portugal – Thanks in no small part to Cristiano Ronaldo’s five goals in the competition so far, Portugal finished at the top of Group A1 with 14 points (four wins, two draws and no defeats).- Croatia – Croatia claimed second spot in the same group with eight points, just one ahead of third-placed Scotland.
- France – France edged top spot in Group A2 ahead of Italy on goal difference, as both ended on 13 points.
- Italy – Italy equalled France’s record of four wins, a draw and one defeat, with just a single goal separating the sides in the final standings.
- Germany – Another unbeaten side, Germany topped Group A3 with 14 points and an impressive +14 goal difference.
- Netherlands – Runners-up to Germany, the Dutch finished with nine points after two wins, three draws, and one loss.
- Spain – With the highest points total of any League A side (16), Spain won five games and drew the other to top Group A4 with room to spare.
- Denmark – Denmark nicked second spot ahead of Serbia and Switzerland, earning eight points from two wins, two draws and two defeats.
Poland, Israel, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Switzerland were relegated from League A, with Serbia, Hungary, Belgium and Scotland going into the play-offs.
Other Tiers
Here’s a summary of the outcomes in the other tiers:
- League B – Promoted sides: Czech Republic, England, Norway, Wales; Relegated sides: Montenegro, Kazakhstan, Finland, Albania; Promotion play-offs: Ukraine, Greece, Austria, Turkey; Relegation play-offs: Iceland, Slovenia, Republic of Ireland, Georgia
- League C – Promoted sides: Sweden, Romania, Northern Ireland, North Macedonia; Relegated sides: Azerbaijan, Lithuania; Promotion play-offs: Slovakia, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Armenia; Relegation play-offs: Luxembourg, Latvia
- League D – Promoted sides: San Marino, Moldova; Promotion play-offs: Malta, Gibraltar
How Did the Home Nations Perform?
The League Phase was largely positive for the Home Nations. England and Wales both topped their League B groups to earn promotion to the top-tier League A. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland finished top of their League C group to jump up to League B next time around.
After a rocky start, Scotland pulled some fine results out of the bag in their final three games to avoid automatic relegation from League A, though they still face a play-off in March. The Republic of Ireland also face a play-off – but that’s to remain in League B rather than to seek promotion to League A. Let’s take a more detailed look at the Home Nations’ performances in their respective groups.
England
Despite a blip against Greece at Wembley, caretaker boss Lee Carsley guided England to promotion to League A with five wins. They bettered Greece (who also won five games) on head-to-head goal difference. All in all, a very solid performance.
Scotland
The only one of the Home Nations to start the competition in League A, Steve Clarke’s men lost their opening three Nations League games before they managed to turn things around. After losing to Poland at home, and then Portugal away, things looked bleak. But a 0-0 home draw against Portugal in October was followed by a 1-0 victory over Croatia on home soil and finally an impressive 2-1 win in Poland. They still face a play-off to stay in the top tier, but confidence will be high.
Wales
Craig Bellamy’s Wales avoided defeat in this group, winning three games and drawing three. It was just enough to finish at the top of the pile ahead of Turkey who blew their chance of finishing ahead of Wales by losing to Montenegro in their final group game.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland will be happy with their Nations League performance after topping their League C group and earning promotion to the second tier. Michael O’Neill’s men managed only a draw against Luxembourg in their final group match, but with three wins and two draws in total, they had enough points to finish top.
Republic of Ireland
South of the border, the Republic of Ireland will feel they could have done better in their group, despite it also containing tough opponents England and Greece. With two wins and four defeats, Eire face a relegation play-off in March.
That’s the League Phase of the Nations League wrapped up. The players can now focus on domestic football before the fun and games of the Nations League resume in March.