England will face Spain again in the 2026–27 Nations League after their painful Euro 2024 final defeat. The draw in Brussels also came on the day Thomas Tuchel agreed a contract extension that covers the Nations League and Euro 2028 on home soil.
England’s Group A3 Challenge
Spain ended England’s Euro 2024 hopes in Gareth Southgate’s final match. Tuchel now leads England into a tough Group A3 that includes Croatia and Czechia. The group offers a demanding test, yet England aim to respond with authority.
Portugal, the defending champions, headline Group A4 with Denmark, Norway and Wales. France will meet Italy, Belgium and Turkey in Group A1. Germany, Netherlands, Serbia and Greece complete Group A2.
Home Nations and Ireland’s Complicated Draw
Scotland join Switzerland, Slovenia and North Macedonia in Group B1. Northern Ireland face Hungary, Ukraine and Georgia in B2. The Republic of Ireland meet Israel, Austria and Kosovo in B3, a pairing that brings political tension.
Ireland’s federation recently asked UEFA to ban Israel from competitions. They cited alleged violations involving clubs in occupied territories and anti‑racism enforcement. However, the FAI confirmed it will fulfil all fixtures to avoid sanctions or disqualification.
Nations League Schedule and Full Draw
Group matches take place in autumn 2026. Four games run between late September and early October, followed by two in November. Quarterfinals and promotion‑relegation playoffs arrive in March 2027. The finals follow in June.
League A
A1: France, Italy, Belgium, Turkey
A2: Germany, Netherlands, Serbia, Greece
A3: Spain, Croatia, England, Czech Republic
A4: Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Wales
League B
B1: Scotland, Switzerland, Slovenia, North Macedonia
B2: Hungary, Ukraine, Georgia, Northern Ireland
B3: Israel, Austria, Ireland, Kosovo
B4: Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, Sweden
League C
C1: Albania, Finland, Belarus, San Marino
C2: Montenegro, Armenia, Cyprus, Latvia/Gibraltar
C3: Kazakhstan, Slovakia, Faroe Islands, Moldova
C4: Iceland, Bulgaria, Estonia, Luxembourg/Malta
League D
D1: Latvia/Gibraltar, Luxembourg/Malta, Andorra
D2: Lithuania, Azerbaijan, Liechtenstein
