Nations League: UEFA reduces direct relegations in League A to two

UEFA eased the risk of direct relegation in League A for the 2026-2027 Nations League on Tuesday, September 15. Only the two lowest-ranked fourth-placed teams from the four groups will be automatically relegated to League B, down from four teams in the previous edition, as part of a system adjusted to prepare for the new format in 2028-2029.

The two best third-placed teams in League A will retain their spots at the highest level. The other two third-placed teams, along with the two best fourth-placed teams, will compete in playoffs against the four second-placed teams from League B.

The winners and runners-up of the four League A groups will still qualify for the quarter-finals. The league phase will take place from September 24 to 26 and conclude from November 15 to 17, ahead of the quarter-finals and the A/B playoffs scheduled for March 25 to 30, 2027.

This adjustment is part of a broader reform approved by UEFA in May. Starting in 2028-2029, the Nations League will transition from four to three divisions of 18 teams each. Each division will consist of three groups of six, with each team playing six matches against five different opponents.

With 55 member associations, the future League C will feature a group of seven teams, with its schedule starting one international window earlier. The quarter-finals, the Final Four and the promotion-relegation playoffs will remain in the structure, according to the concept approved in May by the Executive Committee.