Wikipedia - UEFA Nations League

The UEFA Nations League is an international European football competition played by the senior men's national teams of the member associations of UEFA, the sport's European governing body. The competition was devised to minimise friendlies and give nations competitive encounters with equally ranked teams. Teams from all the European associations compete in a league structure featuring promotion and relegation.

The first tournament was in September 2018, with the four group winners from League A qualifying for the first finals, played in Portugal in June 2019. The host team, Portugal defeated the Netherlands in the final to become the inaugural competition winners. In 2021 France won the trophy by beating Spain in the host country, and Italy achieved 3rd place by beating Belgium. In the 2023 tournament, Spain won by beating Croatia on penalties. The current champions are Portugal, who defeated holders Spain in the 2025 final to secure their second title.

The UEFA Nations League is an exciting international soccer tournament that brings together the national teams of Europe in a competitive format designed to enhance the quality of international football. Launched in 2018 by UEFA (the Union of European Football Associations), the tournament aims to provide teams with meaningful matches outside of the traditional friendly fixtures, while also offering a pathway to qualification for major tournaments like the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup.

The competition is structured into leagues and groups, with teams placed based on their UEFA rankings. Each league features a round-robin format, where teams compete for points, culminating in a knockout stage for the top teams. The tournament not only showcases the best of European football talent but also fosters rivalries and enhances the overall excitement of the sport.

The UEFA Nations League is held every two years, with the final stage featuring the top four teams from the league phase competing for the coveted trophy. This tournament has quickly gained prestige, offering fans thrilling matches, dramatic moments, and the chance to see their national teams battle for glory on the international stage. With its innovative format and competitive spirit, the UEFA Nations League has become a highlight of the international football calendar.