How promotion, relegation and knockouts work in Nations League

The 2026-27 Nations League campaign determines quarter-final qualification, promotion, relegation, and pathway spots for Euro 2028. The top two teams from each League A group advance to two-legged quarter-finals in March 2027, followed by the semi-finals and final in June 2027. Ahead of a format change for the 2028-29 cycle that eliminates League D, all League D sides will earn automatic promotion, while no teams from League C face relegation.

Nations League overall rankings will also shape Euro 2028 qualifying play-offs in March 2028. Across the home nations, Thomas Tuchel's England side can move closer to the quarter-finals by beating Czech Republic, while Northern Ireland lead Group B2. Wales, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland continue fighting for knockout or promotion contention.