UEFA Nations League Winner Predictions, Odds, Picks 2026/27

• The UEFA Nations League 2026/27 will be the fifth edition of the European tournament

• Portugal are the current holders after coming out on top in 2024/25

• The competition has been a success despite attracting criticism before its launch

The 2026/27 UEFA Nations League will be the fifth edition of the tournament, which was created in 2018. The introduction of the competition was controversial, with many labeling it convoluted and complicated, and others deeming it unnecessary and pointless. 

But while it took a while for fans to get their heads around the format, it is fair to say that UEFA’s invention has been a success. 

The next Nations League is due to get under way on 21 September 2026. It will start with the customary league phase, before the quarter-finals are held in March 2027. The four-team Finals event will be staged in June of that year.

The odds for the winner of UEFA Nations League 2026/27 are not yet available. Check back here closer to the big kick-off for the latest prices.

Who Were the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 Winners?

Portugal were the winners of the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League. They topped their League A group and then defeated Denmark in the quarters, before beating Germany and Spain in the Finals.

How Does the Nations League Work?

All UEFA members (excluding banned Russia) are split into four leagues based on their performance in the previous edition of the Nations League. 

Teams ranked one to 16 compete in League A, 17-32 in League B, 33-48 in League C, and 49-54 in League D. Leagues A, B, and C are then divided into four groups containing four teams each. League D is divided into two groups.

Teams play each other side in their group home and away. Those that finish in the top two of groups in League A qualify for the quarter-finals, and the winners of those ties go forward to the Nations League Finals. The sides that finish top of the groups in League B, League C, and League D are promoted to the league above, while those that finish bottom of these groups are relegated to the one below. 

There is one exception: in League C, relegation play-offs are held between the four bottom-placed teams to determine the two which are relegated to League D.

Why Was the Nations League Created?

The primary reason for the creation of the Nations League was to provide European teams with regular, meaningful matches against opponents of a similar standard.

There is something for everyone in this tournament. League A games involving European heavyweights tend to attract the attention of neutrals, but the Nations League has been valuable for sides in League C and League D too. 

For instance, it has given the likes of San Marino and Andorra an opportunity to take on other minnows, which is far more useful than one-sided contests against Germany or France. 

The format also provides smaller nations with another potential route into the European Championship and the World Cup, as explained above.

Moreover, players, fans and coaches alike are more engaged by Nations League games than the non-competitive friendlies which clogged up the calendar previously.

How Can I Watch the UEFA Nations League 2026/27?

• Dates: Sep. 21, 2026 - Jun. 13, 2027

• Location: Europe

• How to Watch: fuboTV, Fox Sports, Vix