The UEFA Nations League has started with goals, surprises and several major storylines across Europe. The 2026/27 edition began on September 24, and the opening two matchdays have already produced statement victories, managerial debuts and unexpected results. With the league phase continuing through November, the UEFA Nations League is quickly becoming a major focus for European national teams.
UEFA Nations League: Spain Make the Biggest Statement
Spain produced the standout result of Matchday 1 by beating England 3-2 at Wembley. Mikel Oyarzabal scored the winner after Spain recovered from an early deficit, continuing his reputation for decisive goals against England. The result gave Spain an important opening victory in Group A3.
The UEFA Nations League also saw Croatia beat Czechia 2-1, while France defeated Türkiye 1-0 through a Kylian Mbappé goal. Belgium started with a 2-0 win away to Italy, giving new coach Mark van Bommel an impressive competitive debut.
UEFA Nations League: Greece Shock Germany
One of the biggest surprises arrived on Matchday 2. Greece defeated Germany 1-0 in Dortmund, securing their first victory over Germany in the competition. Dimitris Kourbelis scored the decisive goal, leaving Jürgen Klopp’s Germany searching for answers after beginning the campaign with a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands.
The Netherlands responded strongly, beating Serbia 2-1 after their opening draw. Portugal also maintained a perfect record by defeating Norway 2-1 in Oslo, while Denmark recovered from their opening defeat to beat Wales 2-0.
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What the Tables Are Showing
The UEFA Nations League format gives every match importance because teams are competing for more than individual victories. League A sides are fighting for places in the quarter-finals, while promotion and relegation battles affect teams across the different divisions.
After two matchdays, several groups remain tightly contested. Spain and Croatia have made strong starts in Group A3, while Portugal have taken control of Group A4. In Group A2, Greece’s win over Germany has changed the early picture, with the Netherlands also collecting important points.
UEFA Nations League: The Next Fixtures
The UEFA Nations League continues on September 28 and 29 with another set of important matches. Belgium face France in Group A1, while Türkiye meet Italy. In Group A3, Czechia host England and Spain welcome Croatia on September 29.
Those matches could significantly reshape the standings. England will be looking to recover immediately after their defeat by Spain, while Croatia will try to build on their victory over Czechia. Spain, meanwhile, can strengthen their position with another positive result.
Why the Competition Matters
The UEFA Nations League was created to provide more meaningful international matches and reduce the number of friendlies between European nations. The competition also gives teams a structured route toward promotion, relegation and, for League A sides, the knockout stages.
For coaches, it offers competitive matches against teams of comparable strength. For younger players, it provides opportunities to establish themselves internationally. For supporters, it creates meaningful fixtures throughout the international calendar.
Early Predictions
It is still too early to make firm predictions about the final standings. However, Spain’s opening victory, Portugal’s two wins and France’s successful start have provided encouraging signs for those teams.
At the same time, Greece’s victory over Germany shows why the UEFA Nations League can be difficult to predict. Results between established teams and emerging sides can quickly change the balance of a group.
The league phase continues until November 17, when the final matchday will determine the teams progressing and those facing promotion or relegation play-offs. The quarter-finals and relevant play-offs are scheduled for March 2027, with the finals taking place in June.
For now, the UEFA Nations League has delivered exactly what international football needs: meaningful matches, competitive groups and unexpected results. With Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, England and other major nations still fighting for position, the next matchdays should provide plenty more drama.