The UEFA Nations League is a national football competition introduced by UEFA in 2018, replacing meaningless friendlies with real competition between the 55 member associations. This article will explore the history, format, successful cakhiatv link teams and legacy of the UEFA Nations League in modern European football.
History of formation and development
Origin of the idea and the first season (2018-2019)
The UEFA Nations League was announced on 4 December 2014 by UEFA President Michel Platini, aiming to replace boring friendlies with a clearly ranked tournament. The first season, 2018/19, divided 55 teams into four leagues (League A, B, C, D) based on UEFA coefficients, with trực tiếp bóng đá siêu mượt Portugal winning the title after beating the Netherlands 1-0 in the final in Porto thanks to the only goal of Gonçalo Guedes.
The match attracted 9.5 million European viewers, proving to be more attractive than a friendly match. This season also created 4 Euro 2020 play-off places, helping small teams like Georgia to participate in a major final for the first time.
Expansion and improvement over the seasons (2020-present)
The 2020/21 season was played amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but France still won the title, beating Spain 2-1 in the final in Milan, with Kylian Mbappé as the star. In the 2022/23 season, Spain won the trophy after a dramatic penalty shootout against Croatia (5-4) in Rotterdam, with Dani Carvajal scoring the decisive panenka. In the 2024/25 season, the tournament expanded to 54 teams (Liechtenstein withdrew), was divided into four Leagues, and VAR was fully implemented from the group stage. In total, the Nations League has hosted more than 600 matches, attracted 2 billion global viewers and copyright revenue of 1.2 billion euros, helping UEFA reinvest in grassroots football.
Competition format and featured teams
League structure and promotion rules
The UEFA Nations League divides 55 teams into four divisions: League A (16 strongest teams), B (16 teams), C (16 teams), D (7 weakest teams). Each League is divided into four groups, playing round-robin matches from September to November in even-numbered years. League A has a knockout round: the top four teams advance to the semi-finals (one match), the final, and the third-place match. Promotion: The top team advances to the upper division; relegation: The bottom team is relegated. From the 2024/25 season, a promotion/relegation play-off will be added between League A/B and B/C. Each team plays four to six group stage matches, with the final taking place in June in odd-numbered years in the host country (Germany in 2025).
Successful teams and stars
France, Spain, Portugal are the 3 champions, with Portugal holding the record of unbeaten in the group stage in the 2018/19 season. Shocking underdogs: North Macedonia (promoted from D to B), Georgia (Euro 2024 via play-off). Outstanding stars: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, 8 goals), Mbappé (France, 6 goals), Ferran Torres (Spain, hat-trick 2021). Netherlands, England, Italy often finish in the top 4 of League A. Average total goals 2.8/match, 20% higher than friendlies.
Legacy and influence on European football
Impact on Euro and World Cup qualifiers
The Nations League creates 4 Euro play-off spots (1 spot/League), helping teams like Hungary and Slovakia to qualify for the finals for the first time. From 2026, the results of the Nations League will influence 50% of the seeds for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Europe. The tournament will increase the number of quality matches by 30%, reducing meaningless friendly matches to less than 10%. Revenues will help UEFA invest 500 million euros in women’s and youth football.
Cultural values and the future
The Nations League enhances the spirit of competition, with derbies such as France vs Belgium and Germany vs Netherlands attracting 80,000 spectators. The 2026/27 season will incorporate AI prediction technology and 4K broadcasting. The tournament is a stepping stone for young talents such as Musiala (Germany), Gavi (Spain). With 4 different champions in 4 seasons, the Nations League affirms fairness and drama.
Conclude
The UEFA Nations League has transformed the landscape of European national team football, transforming friendly matches into a true battle for glory. From Platini’s idea to Spain’s 2023 triumph, the tournament has brought competitive value, small team opportunities and inspiration to millions of fans. Follow your favourite team’s journey – where every match is a story!
