How issues presently stand on this season’s competitors

Whereas the likes of England and Wales have their sights firmly set on their respective qualifying campaigns for the 2026 World Cup, elsewhere there stays the small matter of the Nations League.

This season’s competitors continues to be to be determined, with the quarter-finals and play-off matches – each two-legged – presently beneath manner.

As issues stand within the final eight – comprised of the groups who completed first and second in every of the 4 League A teams – holders Spain meet the Netherlands in Valencia on Sunday with the tie stage at 2-2.

In a repeat of the 2018 World Cup ultimate, France host Croatia trying to overturn a two-goal deficit from the first-leg, whereas Denmark carry a slender 1-0 benefit going into their recreation with Portugal.

📸 Ultimate apply session earlier than departure to 🇫🇷!#NationsLeague #Vatreni❤️‍🔥 pic.twitter.com/gkeR3NCDAS

— HNS (@HNS_CFF) March 22, 2025

Germany and Italy, in the meantime, go face to face in Dortmund with the rating 2-1 in Germany’s favour after the primary recreation.

The semi-final draw has already been made, with the winners of Italy and Germany dealing with both Denmark or Portugal, whereas the victors from Netherlands in opposition to Spain progressing to play Croatia or France.

The semi-final matches are scheduled for Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 June, with the ultimate going down on Sunday 8 June, hosted by Italy or Germany.

Operating similtaneously the quarter-finals are the Nations League play-offs.

These ties are contested between the groups who completed third in League A and second-placed sides from League B, with the winner securing a spot in League A subsequent season.

Equally, the third-place groups in League B will face second-placed groups in League C, with the winners incomes a spot in League B subsequent time period.

The 2 nations who completed backside in League C with one of the best file will play the runners-up of League D.

Each Scotland and the Republic of Eire characteristic within the play-offs, the place a penalty from  Scott McTominay helped the Scots declare a 1-0 first-leg victory over Greece in Athens.

Half-way there.

Go behind the scenes for the primary time this 12 months with Scotland: embedded, from the Karaiskakis Stadium.#GRESCO pic.twitter.com/j62ktdJGQR

— Scotland Nationwide Staff (@ScotlandNT) March 22, 2025

In the meantime, the Republic of Eire secured a 2-1 win away in Bulgaria courtesy of objectives from Finn Azaz and Matt Doherty.

The total play-off second-leg fixture checklist is as follows:

Georgia (3) v Armenia (0)

Slovenia (0) v Slovakia (0)

Iceland (1) v Kosovo (2)

Republic of Eire (2) v Bulgaria (1)

Serbia (1) v Austria (1)

Scotland (1) v Greece (0)

Hungary (1) v Turkey (3)

Belgium (1) v Ukraine (3)

The Nations League does have a direct hyperlink to World Cup qualification. 4 groups will qualify for a play-off to succeed in the 2026 event in Canada, Mexico and the USA through the Nations League.

They’re the 4 best-ranked group winners who don’t go on to complete within the high two of their World Cup qualifying group.