The 2024-2025 UEFA Nations League is set to kick off on September 5, with Spain starting their title defense against Serbia. The tournament features 54 teams divided into four leagues based on their previous performance, with each team playing a series of home-and-away matches. The group winners and runners-up in League A will advance to two-legged quarterfinals, with the ultimate goal of reaching the final four.
Notably, Russia will not be participating in the Nations League following their suspension from UEFA and FIFA events due to the invasion of Ukraine. Spain, France, Portugal, Germany, and England are among the favorites to win the tournament, with Spain having recently clinched the Euro 2024 title.
The Nations League is also linked to World Cup qualification, with the 12 group winners automatically qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Runners-up will enter the World Cup playoffs, along with the top-ranked Nations League group winners who do not qualify through the group stage. The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
While the exact prize money for the tournament has not been disclosed, past winners like Spain received significant cash prizes. Fans can stay updated on all the latest football news and live match commentary on Al Jazeera Sport’s football page throughout the 2024-2025 UEFA Nations League.
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