The draw for the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League knockout stage and relegation play-offs was unveiled in Nyon, Switzerland, this week. The event, held on Friday, has set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the tournament, with teams eager to secure a spot in next year’s final. Portugal, led by football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, and Spain, fresh off their victory at UEFA Euro 2024, have earned their places in the knockout phase, aiming for the coveted 2025 Nations League trophy.

Scotland’s remarkable efforts ensured they avoided automatic relegation, earning a spot in the relegation play-offs. Belgium also faces a crucial two-legged tie to secure their place in the competition’s future rounds.

The quarter-final matchups promise thrilling encounters, with defending champions Spain set to face the Netherlands in a rematch of the 2010 World Cup final. Italy will renew their historic rivalry with Germany, while Portugal and France are matched against Denmark and Croatia, respectively. These ties set the stage for an action-packed knockout phase.

Quarter-Final Matchups:

  • Netherlands vs Spain
  • Croatia vs France
  • Denmark vs Portugal
  • Italy vs Germany

In the League A/B play-offs, key matchups feature teams like Turkey, Hungary, Ukraine, and Belgium, while League B/C play-offs include Kosovo, Iceland, Bulgaria, and the Republic of Ireland. The League C/D play-offs will see Gibraltar take on Latvia and Malta facing Luxembourg in key battles for survival.

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Play-Off Details:

  • League A/B Play-Offs:
    • Turkey vs Hungary
    • Ukraine vs Belgium
    • Austria vs Serbia
    • Greece vs Scotland
  • League B/C Play-Offs:
    • Kosovo vs Iceland
    • Bulgaria vs Republic of Ireland
    • Armenia vs Georgia
    • Slovakia vs Slovenia
  • League C/D Play-Offs:
    • Gibraltar vs Latvia
    • Malta vs Luxembourg

Key Dates:

  • Quarter-Finals & League A/B, League B/C Play-Offs: March 20 and 23, 2025 (First and Second Legs)
  • League C/D Play-Offs: March 26 and 31, 2025 (First and Second Legs)
  • Semi-Finals: June 4-5, 2025
  • Final: June 8, 2025

This year’s Nations League promises to deliver intense football action as the top European teams battle for supremacy. Fans can expect standout performances from stars like Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Kylian Mbappe, and the rising sensation Lamine Yamal.