UEFA Nations League: What’s at stake in the final games

The group stage of the second edition of the UEFA Nations League comes to a close this week, with places in the semifinals and promotion and relegation at stake.

Countries in UEFA Nations League B will also be looking for good results to put them in pole position for a possible 2022 World Cup qualifying playoff, while FIFA World Ranking coefficient points will be vital for some countries, with this week’s results decisive for seeding ahead of the World Cup qualifying draw on Dec. 7.

Here we take a look at what’s still to play for in each group.

– What is the UEFA Nations League?


– UEFA Nations League: Stream LIVE on ESPN+ (U.S. only)

LEAGUE A

Group 1

Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Italy; Poland vs. Netherlands

Italy are in pole position and are guaranteed to be in the semifinals with a win, or if Poland-Netherlands is a draw.

Netherlands are in second, and must win in Poland and hope Italy fail to beat Bosnia to reach the semis for the second time in a row.

Poland must beat Netherlands, but can only top the group if Italy lose.

Bosnia and Herzegovina have already been relegated to League B, but if they lose, they could drop into Pot 4 for the World Cup qualifying draw.

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Gab Marcotti says despite finishing issues, Italy have shown why they are a dynamic side.

Group 2

Belgium vs. Denmark; England vs. Iceland

It’s all about the clash in Leuven, with Belgium just needing to avoid defeat to top the group, while Denmark must win to overtake them.

England will finish third.

Iceland have been relegated and will be playing in League B in the next edition whatever the result is at Wembley.

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Ale Moreno slams England’s lack of attacking ingenuity in a 2-0 loss to Belgium in the Nations League.

Group 3

Croatia vs. Portugal; France vs. Sweden

France have qualified for the finals, with holders Portugal finishing second.

Relegation still has to be decided with Croatia and Sweden having the same points, goal difference and an equal head-to-head record. Sweden are bottom on goals scored by a clear margin, so they must get a better result than Croatia on Tuesday. If both teams win or lose, then Sweden need a more favourable scoreline to go above Croatia on goal difference.

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Julien Laurens says Didier Deschamps should view his various front three possibilities positively.

Group 4


Spain vs. Germany; Switzerland vs. Ukraine

The two heavyweights of the group go head-to-head in Seville, with Spain needing to win the game to overtake Germany, who just need to avoid defeat to secure a place in the semifinals.

Switzerland must win at home to Ukraine 1-0 or by two or more goals to avoid relegation. If the Swiss win 2-1, they will be relegated on goal difference; if they win 3-2, 4-3, etc., they will finish bottom on head-to-head away goals.

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Ale Moreno and Frank Leboeuf delve into Spain captain Sergio Ramos’ two missed penalties vs. Switzerland.

LEAGUE B

Group 1


Austria vs. Norway; Northern Ireland vs. Romania

This group remains in the balance after Romania vs. Norway was cancelled on Sunday due to the Norwegian squad not being allowed to travel following a positive coronavirus test. The likelihood is that Romania will be handed a 3-0 forfeit win.

Norway have been forced to call up a brand-new squad of foreign-based players to fulfil their game in Austria, which should be a shootout for top spot in the group. Most of the new Norwegian squad is uncapped, so it will take a Herculean effort to get the win they need. If the forfeit against Romania is confirmed, Norway will need to win in Austria by any scoreline other than 1-0.

If the forfeit is confirmed, Northern Ireland will be relegated and Romania will stay in League B. But Romania, who cannot top the group, must win in Belfast to have a chance of being seeded in Pot 2 in the World Cup qualifying draw on Dec. 7.

Group 2


Czech Republic vs. Slovakia; Israel vs. Scotland

Scotland will top the group if they win in Israel, or if Czech Republic fail to beat Slovakia.

Czech Republic must win their game and hope Scotland do not pick up three points.

Slovakia must win and hope Israel do not if they are to avoid relegation.

Group 3


Hungary vs. Turkey; Serbia vs. Russia

Three teams are in contention for promotion. Russia must win to be certain of promotion, which would also guarantee them Pot 2 in the World Cup qualifying draw. A point will also be enough as long as there isn’t a winner between Hungary and Turkey.

Hungary must better Russia’s result, so win if Russia draw or draw if Russia lose.

Turkey need to beat Hungary and hope Russia do not win.

But Serbia need a result, too. They must win and hope Turkey lose to stay in League B.

Group 4


Republic of Ireland vs. Bulgaria; Wales vs. Finland

Wales must avoid defeat at home to Finland to top the group, while the Finns must win. A victory for either side would all but guarantee one of the two World Cup playoff places gained via the Nations League, should they need it. Finland also need a victory to secure Pot 3 in the World Cup qualifying draw, though if Bosnia lose to Netherlands they would get it too.

Bulgaria have to win to stay up, while Ireland just need a point. However, Ireland require three points if they are to stay in contention for World Cup draw pot 2.

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Frank Leboeuf and Ale Moreno share their thoughts on the Netherlands’ 3-0 win vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina.

LEAGUE C

Group 1


Luxembourg vs. Azerbaijan; Montenegro vs. Cyprus

Montenegro must win to ensure promotion, though a draw will be good enough if Luxembourg do not win.

If Luxembourg win. they will be top if Montenegro draw or lose; a point will also be enough for Luxembourg if Montenegro lose.

Cyprus have to win and hope Azerbaijan don’t if they are to avoid possible relegation.

Group 2


Armenia vs. North Macedonia; Georgia vs. Estonia

North Macedonia just have to avoid defeat to secure the group, while Armenia have to win to overhaul them.

Georgia can still finish second with a win if Armenia lose, but they cannot top the group.

Estonia will be in the relegation playouts, which will see the four teams who finish bottom playing off to decide which two drop into League D.

Group 3


Greece vs. Slovenia; Kosovo vs. Moldova

Greece have to win the game to overtake Slovenia at the top of the group. Greece also have one eye on the World Cup qualifying draw and must win to have a chance of avoiding Pot 4.

Kosovo need to avoid defeat at home to Moldova to definitely stay in League C.

Group 4


Albania vs. Belarus; Kazakhstan vs. Lithuania

Albania will top of the group at the expense of Belarus if they can pick up the win.

Kazakhstan must win against Lithuania to avoid the relegation playouts.

Lithuania could still finish second if they win and Albania lose.

LEAGUE D

Group 1


Andorra vs. Latvia; Malta vs. Faroe Islands

Malta must beat Faroe Islands 1-0, 2-1 or by more than one goal to overtake them at the top.

Andorra, who have only scored once in the group, could yet avoid finishing at the foot of League D if they can pick up a win at home to Latvia

Group 2


Gibraltar vs. Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein will be promoted if they win, otherwise Gibraltar will move up to League C.

San Marino have completed their matches and finished bottom of a group that has seen only four goals in the five matches played.