UEFA Nations League 2026-27: Group Stage Draw Pots Confirmed Ahead of February Ceremony

With the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League concluded and Portugal crowned as defending champions, attention turns to the fifth edition of the competition. The pots for the 2026/27 group stage draw have been finalized based on the final overall rankings from the previous cycle, setting the stage for intriguing matchups across Europe's national teams. The draw for the league phase is scheduled for 12 February 2026 in Brussels, Belgium, as confirmed by UEFA. This event will determine the groups for Leagues A, B, C, and D, kicking off a campaign that runs from September to November 2026, with knockout stages and play-offs extending into 2027 and 2028. Confirmed Pots for the Group Stage Draw
Leagues A, B, and C each feature 16 teams divided into four groups of four, while League D has six teams in two groups of three. The pots are as follows:

League A

Pot 1: Portugal, Spain, France, Germany
Pot 2: Italy, Netherlands, Denmark, Croatia
Pot 3: Serbia, Belgium, England, Norway
Pot 4: Wales, Czechia, Greece, Türkiye

League B

Pot 1: Scotland, Hungary, Poland, Israel
Pot 2: Switzerland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Austria, Ukraine
Pot 3: Slovenia, Georgia, Ireland, Romania
Pot 4: Sweden, North Macedonia, Northern Ireland, Kosovo

League C

Pot 1: Iceland, Albania, Montenegro, Kazakhstan
Pot 2: Finland, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Armenia
Pot 3: Belarus, Faroe Islands, Cyprus, Estonia
Pot 4: Latvia or Gibraltar, Luxembourg or Malta, Moldova, San Marino

League D

Pot 1: Azerbaijan, Lithuania
Pot 2: Gibraltar or Latvia, Malta or Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Andorra

(Note: Some lower pots include alternatives due to ongoing play-offs or final confirmations in smaller nations.)Link to EURO 2028 Qualification The 2026/27 Nations League holds added significance as its results will directly influence the pots for the UEFA EURO 2028 qualifiers (hosted by the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland):

Pot 1: League A teams finishing 1st–3rd in each group
Pot 2: League A teams finishing 4th; League B teams finishing 1st–2nd in each group
Pot 3: League B teams finishing 3rd–4th in each group; League C group winners
Pot 4: League C teams finishing 2nd–4th in each group
Pot 5: League D teams

Additionally, group winners in the Nations League will earn a valuable safety net: a potential spot in the EURO 2028 play-offs if they fail to qualify directly through the standard qualifiers. This dual purpose ensures high stakes throughout the competition, blending competitive balance with pathways to major tournaments. As Europe prepares for another cycle of intense international football following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Nations League continues to deliver meaningful matches and opportunities for promotion, relegation, and glory. Fans can look forward to the draw in February revealing the groups that will shape the road ahead.Stay tuned for more updates as the draw approaches!