Key Takeaways:
- England have been placed in Group A3 alongside Spain, Croatia, and Czechia for the 2026-27 Nations League
- The group stage will take place in the autumn, with four matches scheduled between late September and early October and the final two fixtures in November
- The quarterfinals and promotion-relegation playoffs are to be played in March 2027, with the finals set for June
England Set for Nations League Rematch with Spain
England are set to face Spain, the team that defeated them in the final of Euro 2024, in the group stage of the 2026-27 Nations League. The draw for the tournament took place in Brussels on the same day it was confirmed that head coach Thomas Tuchel had agreed a contract extension covering the upcoming Nations League campaign as well as the European Championship hosted in England in 2028.
England, now managed by Tuchel after Gareth Southgate’s tenure concluded with the Euro 2024 final defeat, will compete in Group A3. Croatia and Czechia complete the quartet, setting up a highly competitive group as England aim to avenge their recent loss to Spain.
Comprehensive Breakdown of the Nations League Draw
| League | Group | Teams |
|---|---|---|
| A | A1 | France, Italy, Belgium, Turkey |
| A2 | Germany, Netherlands, Serbia, Greece | |
| A3 | Spain, Croatia, England, Czech Republic | |
| A4 | Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Wales | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| D | D1 | Latvia/Gibraltar, Luxembourg/Malta, Andorra |
| D2 | Lithuania, Azerbaijan, Liechtenstein |
Other British and Irish Nations’ Groupings
Wales have been drawn into Group A4 alongside reigning Nations League champions Portugal as well as Denmark and Norway. Scotland, managed by Steve Clarke, will play in Group B1 with Switzerland, Slovenia, and North Macedonia.
The Republic of Ireland are set to meet Israel, Austria, and Kosovo in Group B3. Northern Ireland have been matched with Hungary, Ukraine, and Georgia in Group B2.
Scheduling and Tournament Format
The Nations League group stage fixtures are scheduled for the autumn, featuring four matches held between late September and early October, with the remaining two group games in November. The quarterfinals and the promotion-relegation playoffs are to take place in March 2027, ahead of the finals in June.
Republic of Ireland Set to Play Israel Despite Objections
The Republic of Ireland and Israel have been drawn together in Group B3, which is noteworthy due to recent tensions. In November, the Irish football federation put forward a motion to UEFA proposing Israel’s exclusion from competitions governed by European football’s ruling body. The Football Association of Ireland cited “organizing clubs in occupied Palestinian territories without the consent of the Palestinian FA” and “the alleged failure of the IFA to enforce an effective anti-racism policy” as breaches of UEFA statutes.
However, following the draw, the FAI confirmed it would contest the fixture: “While consultation has taken place with UEFA officials, the association does recognise that UEFA regulations outline that if an association refuses to play a match then that fixture will be forfeited and further disciplinary measures may follow — including potential disqualification from the competition,” the FAI said in a statement.
Additional Context and Fixtures
In addition to the Nations League developments, it was confirmed that England have set pre-World Cup friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica. The Football Association also clarified that Thomas Tuchel’s contract extension is unrelated to the Manchester United managerial position.
Portugal, as defending champions, are placed in Group A4 with Denmark, Norway, and Wales. France were drawn in Group A1 to face Italy, Belgium, and Turkey, while Germany, Netherlands, Serbia, and Greece form Group A2.
The tournament structure, participating teams, and scheduling promise a highly competitive Nations League ahead of the 2028 European Championship on English soil.
