Ligue des Nations 2025 – Key Dates and What to Expect

The UEFA Ligue des Nations 2025 (officially the UEFA Nations League 2025) is set to reshape European international football once again. After the dramatic 2023‑24 edition, fans are eager to know when the next tournament begins, how the schedule is organised, and which matches will define the competition. This article compiles the official dates, highlights the most anticipated fixtures, and explains how you can follow every moment of the action.

When does the competition start?

The 2025 edition will launch on 5 September 2025 with the opening round of group‑stage matches. The tournament runs through the international windows of September, October, and November 2025, before moving to the spring of 2026 for the knockout phase. The final, scheduled for 21 June 2026, will be played at a pre‑selected venue in Europe.

Group‑stage schedule

Each league contains four groups of three teams, meaning every nation plays two home and two away games. The top teams in each group advance to the knockout stage, while the bottom sides face relegation to a lower league for the 2026 edition.

Knock‑out phase and final

The knockout rounds will be compressed into the spring international window of 2026, aligning with the preparation period for the World Cup 2026. The schedule is as follows:

  1. Quarter‑finals – 24 – 26 March 2026: Eight group winners compete in single‑match eliminations.
  2. Semi‑finals – 31 March – 2 April 2026: Winners of the quarter‑finals meet for a place in the final.
  3. Final – 21 June 2026: The championship match determines the Nations League champion.

All knockout games will be decided on the day, with extra time and penalties if required.

Spain vs France – a thriller that set the tone

The opening night of the previous season delivered a match that still resonates: Spain vs France 5‑4. The high‑scoring encounter showcased the attacking freedom that the Nations League encourages