Nations League matchday 1 wrap - results and qualifying implications

Nations League matchday 1 wrap: results and qualifying implications start with a clear message: opening-round points matter, but the league phase is only getting started. The 2026/27 UEFA Nations League began on 24 September, with the first matchday running through 26 September.

Nations league Matchday 1 results: the headline scores

League A delivered the most eye-catching storylines, while Leagues B, C and D produced important early points for teams targeting promotion or trying to avoid a difficult group finish.

Big names dropped points, several contenders made winning starts and the new campaign’s promotion, play-off and relegation routes are already taking shape. UEFA’s official fixtures and results. Continue reading below:

• Thursday 24 September: Netherlands 1-1 Germany; Serbia 1-2 Greece; Norway 3-2 Denmark; Portugal 1-0 Wales; Austria 3-1 Israel; Kosovo 1-0 Republic of Ireland; Andorra 1-2 Malta; Liechtenstein 0-2 Lithuania.
• Friday 25 September: Italy 0-2 Belgium; Türkiye 0-1 France; Georgia 0-1 Northern Ireland; Hungary 0-1 Ukraine; Poland 0-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina; Sweden 2-1 Romania; Armenia 2-0 Latvia; Montenegro 2-1 Cyprus.
• Saturday 26 September: Slovenia 0-0 Scotland; San Marino 0-7 Finland; Faroe Islands 1-1 Kazakhstan; Bulgaria 1-2 Luxembourg; Iceland 1-1 Estonia; Czechia 1-2 Croatia; England 2-3 Spain; North Macedonia 0-3 Switzerland; Albania 2-0 Belarus; Slovakia 2-0 Moldova.

League A: Spain, Belgium and Norway make statements

Spain edged England 3-2, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring the decisive goal in a rematch of the EURO 2024 final. Croatia also began with an away win, beating Czechia 2-1. Those results put Spain and Croatia on the front foot in Group A3, although one match is too small a sample to settle the group.

Belgium won 2-0 away to Italy, while France opened with a 1-0 victory in Türkiye through Kylian Mbappé. France’s win came in Zinédine Zidane’s first match in charge, but the captain’s injury concern added a note of caution. In Group A2, Greece beat Serbia 2-1 and the Netherlands rescued a 1-1 draw against Germany with a late Cody Gakpo equaliser.

Norway’s 3-2 win over Denmark was another standout. Erling Haaland scored twice, giving Norway an early advantage in a competitive Group A4. Holders Portugal also started with a 1-0 win over Wales, so the group’s opening results leave little room for complacency.

Leagues B, C and D: promotion races begin

In League B, Austria’s late goals secured a 3-1 win over Israel, while Kosovo, Northern Ireland, Ukraine and Switzerland also collected victories. Sweden beat Romania 2-1, and Slovenia and Scotland shared a goalless draw. These results create early separation, but every group still has multiple matchdays to play.

League C included the round’s biggest margin: Finland won 7-0 away to San Marino, with Joel Pohjanpalo scoring a hat-trick. Albania and Slovakia also won, while Luxembourg claimed a 2-1 away victory over Bulgaria. In League D, Malta came from behind to beat Andorra 2-1 and Lithuania won 2-0 at Liechtenstein.

What Matchday 1 means for qualification

The Nations League’s league phase is not a straight knockout tournament. Each team plays its group opponents home and away, and the final group position determines the next step. With the competition moving towards a three-league structure in 2028/29, the 2026/27 campaign also carries promotion and relegation consequences.

In League A, group winners and runners-up qualify for the quarter-finals. The two highest-ranked third-placed teams stay in League A, while the two lowest third-placed teams and two highest fourth-placed teams enter League A/B play-offs. The two lowest fourth-placed teams are relegated directly to League B.

In League B, group winners earn promotion to League A. Runners-up enter the League A/B play-offs; third-placed teams stay put, and fourth-placed teams face League B/C play-offs. In League C, group winners go up to League B, runners-up enter play-offs, and third- and fourth-placed teams remain in League C. All League D teams are due to move up to League C.

That makes the first three points valuable, but not decisive. UEFA’s competition guide sets out the qualification routes and the calendar, with the league phase continuing until 17 November.

What to watch in Matchday 2

The turnaround is immediate. Matchday 2 began on 27 September and continues through 29 September, so teams have little time to reset. Germany meet Greece after the Netherlands draw, Norway face Portugal after their five-goal thriller with Denmark, and Belgium meet France in a Group A1 clash with early table implications. England host Czechia, while Spain face Croatia in another Group A3 test.

For you as a reader, the useful question is not simply who won the opener. Look at whether the performance was repeatable: chance creation, defensive control, squad availability and the quality of the opponent all help explain whether a result is likely to carry forward.

Nations League betting and odds context

If you follow the tournament through betting markets, treat Matchday 1 as evidence, not a verdict. A single result can shift expectations, but odds also reflect team strength, home advantage, injuries and the remaining schedule. Check the latest prices and market rules before making any decision; availability can vary by event and jurisdiction. Browse Sportsbet.io’s soccer leagues for listed competitions, or review football outright markets where tournament futures are offered. For match markets, the soccer fixtures page is another route to currently listed games.

Responsible gambling

Betting should be entertainment, not a way to make money or recover losses. Set a budget before you begin, never stake money needed for essentials, and stop if betting becomes stressful or difficult to control. Take breaks and avoid increasing stakes after a loss.

For independent support, visit GamCare for information and support in Great Britain, or Gambling Therapy for international online support. Check the rules that apply where you live and only use betting services where legally permitted. You must meet the applicable minimum age requirement.

Nations League Matchday 1 FAQs

What were the biggest results of Nations League Matchday 1?

Spain beat England 3-2, Belgium won 2-0 away to Italy, Norway defeated Denmark 3-2 and Finland beat San Marino 7-0.

Did Matchday 1 decide who qualifies?

No. It set the opening group positions. Qualification, promotion, play-offs and relegation are determined by final league-phase standings.

How does League A qualification work?

The four group winners and four runners-up reach the quarter-finals. Other positions determine whether teams stay up, enter play-offs or are relegated.

Which teams can be promoted?

League B and League C group winners earn promotion to the league above. League D teams are all scheduled to move up to League C in this edition.

Where can I check Nations League odds?

Check Sportsbet.io’s soccer leagues and match listings for current availability. Prices and markets may change, and not every event is necessarily offered.