The 2024-25 Nations League Explained: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction to the 2024-25 Nations League

The 2024-25 Nations League is entering a crucial phase, with the play-offs and knockout stages now underway. After the group stage concluded in November, the competition has intensified as eight teams remain in the main draw, aiming for the coveted Nations League title. This year’s format, featuring several tiers and promotion/relegation dynamics, brings added excitement for fans of international football.

In this article, we will explain the Nations League’s current stage, the play-offs, and how the tournament impacts World Cup qualifying for European teams. We’ll also look at the situation for the home nations, such as England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland.

The Group Stage and Knockout Rounds of the Nations League

The 2024-25 Nations League explained

The Nations League group stage concluded in November, where teams were divided into four leagues (A, B, C, and D). The group winners from each league progressed to the knockout rounds, which include the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final.

In League A, the top tier of the Nations League, the teams finishing first and second in each of the four groups advanced to the quarter-finals. These eight teams will now compete in two-legged ties to determine who moves on to the semi-finals.

The teams that finished in the top two positions of each group in League A are as follows:

Netherlands v Spain
Croatia v France
Italy v Germany
Denmark v Portugal

These teams will face off in two-legged quarter-final matches, with the first leg taking place on 20 March 2025 and the return legs scheduled for 23 March 2025. The winners will progress to the semi-finals, where they will compete for a chance to lift the 2024-25 Nations League trophy.

The Home Nations and Republic of Ireland in the Nations League

2024/25 UEFA Nations League: All you need to know | UEFA Nations League

England’s Success in the Nations League

The England national team has made a strong showing in the 2024-25 Nations League, finishing as the group winners in League B2. This impressive achievement earned them promotion to League A for the next edition of the tournament, where they will compete with the top European teams.

England’s group win also means they are not involved in the upcoming round of play-offs, as they secured their place in the top tier. As a result, they will focus on their World Cup qualifying efforts, with their high world ranking ensuring they remain a force in international football.

Wales and Northern Ireland’s Progress

Wales also enjoyed success in the 2024-25 Nations League, securing automatic promotion to League A by finishing top of their group. Wales will now be part of the highest division in the next edition of the tournament, having demonstrated their competitive edge on the international stage.

Northern Ireland, on the other hand, topped League C3, earning promotion to League B. This accomplishment ensures they remain in the conversation for future Nations League play-offs and potential qualification for international tournaments like the World Cup.

Scotland and the Republic of Ireland’s Status

As for Scotland, they are the only home nation remaining in the tournament at this stage. Scotland’s performance in the group stage was solid, and they will now compete in the promotion/relegation play-offs for a chance to advance to the higher tiers.

The Republic of Ireland also finds themselves in the play-offs after a respectable performance in their group. While they did not qualify directly for the knockout rounds, their chances in the play-offs remain strong, as they seek promotion to a higher division in the next Nations League.

The Promotion and Relegation Play-Offs

The Nations League also features a crucial promotion/relegation aspect, with teams who finished third in League A playing against the second-placed sides from League B. The winners of these ties will earn promotion to League A for the next edition of the tournament.

In addition, the third-place teams in League B will face second-placed teams in League C, with the winner of these encounters securing a place in League B for the future.

Finally, the two nations that finished bottom of League C, but with the best records, will face off against the runners-up from League D. The winners of these encounters will secure their place in League C for the next cycle.

The Promotion/Relegation Play-Off Draw:

Georgia v Armenia
Slovenia v Slovakia
Iceland v Kosovo
Republic of Ireland v Bulgaria
Serbia v Austria
Scotland v Greece
Hungary v Turkey
Belgium v Ukraine

These play-offs will run concurrently with the quarter-finals, and the teams will play two-legged ties, with the first leg on 20 March 2025 and the second leg on 23 March 2025.

Impact of the Nations League on World Cup Qualification

The Nations League plays an important role in World Cup qualifying for European teams, providing an additional avenue for teams to secure a spot in the tournament. In particular, the four best-ranked group winners from the Nations League who do not finish in the top two positions of their World Cup qualifying group will earn a place in a special play-off for the 2026 World Cup.

For example, England, who finished top of Group B2, are highly likely to secure a World Cup play-off spot through their Nations League performance, even if they do not qualify directly via the World Cup qualification process. Similarly, Wales, who topped Group B4, are in a similar position to secure a play-off spot.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland finished top of League C3, giving them at least a chance to enter the World Cup play-off. However, Scotland is not in the running for a play-off spot through the Nations League, as they did not win their group.

These play-offs will consist of the top four teams who qualify through the Nations League alongside the 12 teams that finish second in their World Cup qualifying groups. With only four spots available, the competition will be fierce.

How the Nations League Affects World Cup Seeding

World Cup qualifying seeding largely relies on FIFA world rankings rather than Nations League finishes. The top seeds for the World Cup qualifiers will be drawn from the teams that finish in the top two positions of each League A group, as well as the four top countries based on FIFA rankings.

For example, England currently ranks fourth in the world, making them highly likely to be a top seed in the World Cup qualifying draw, even though they were not in League A for this particular Nations League cycle.

Conclusion

The 2024-25 Nations League has entered an exciting stage, with the play-offs and knockout rounds offering plenty of drama and opportunities for teams to climb the ranks. The promotion/relegation play-offs also add an extra layer of intensity, while the Nations League’s role in World Cup qualification ensures that every match is important for European teams looking to secure their place in the 2026 tournament.

For the home nations, the competition provides opportunities for promotion and growth, with England, Wales, and Northern Ireland all enjoying successful campaigns. Meanwhile, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland will look to continue their journey in the play-offs, with the hope of reaching the higher tiers in the future.

As the Nations League progresses, football fans will eagerly watch as the next round of matches unfolds, and the winners and losers shape the future of international football.