UEFA Nations League: Only Spain and Portugal Have Secured Quarter-Final Places

The UEFA Nations League picture is becoming clearer after the first four rounds of the 2026/27 group stage, but most of the qualification battles remain wide open.

With four matches played in League A, only Spain and Portugal have officially secured their places in the quarter-finals. Both nations have collected the maximum 12 points and cannot be caught in the race for the top two positions in their respective groups. 

The remaining teams will have to wait for the final two rounds, scheduled for November, before the rest of the quarter-final places are decided.

France lead a competitive Group 1

France currently occupy first place in Group 1 with 10 points, while Italy are three points behind them on 7.

Belgium remain in third with 6 points, meaning the battle for qualification is still alive. Türkiye, meanwhile, are bottom of the group and face a difficult task if they are to escape their current position.

With two matches remaining, France and Italy have the advantage, but neither side has officially secured a quarter-final place yet. 

Netherlands and Greece level at the top

Group 2 is arguably the most unpredictable section of the competition.

The Netherlands and Greece are tied on 8 points, with Germany still within touching distance on 5. Serbia, without a point after four games, are facing a major fight to avoid relegation.

The final two rounds could completely change the order at the top, making every remaining fixture crucial.

Spain become the first team through

Spain have been the standout side of the group stage so far.

La Roja have won all four of their matches in Group 3 and have already secured their place in the quarter-finals with 12 points. England sit second on 9 points and remain in the strongest position to join Spain in the knockout stage.

Croatia are third, while the Czech Republic are still searching for their first point. 

Spain’s qualification was strengthened by their latest victory over Croatia, with Mikel Merino scoring twice in a 2-1 comeback win. 

Portugal also book their place

Portugal are the second nation to officially qualify for the quarter-finals.

Their perfect record in Group 4 has taken them to 12 points, six ahead of Denmark. Portugal sealed their qualification with a 2-1 victory over Norway, with João Cancelo and Gonçalo Ramos finding the net. 

Denmark remain in contention for the other qualification position, while Wales and Norway still have work to do during the final two rounds.

What happens next?

The top two teams from each League A group advance to the quarter-finals. The four group winners will be seeded in the knockout-stage draw, while the runners-up will be drawn against winners from different groups. 

The final two group-stage rounds will take place between 12 and 17 November, with the quarter-finals scheduled for March 2027. 

For now, Spain and Portugal can already look ahead to the knockout stage. The other six quarter-final places, however, remain up for grabs.