Nations League 2024-25: Road to Glory – Quarter-Finals, Playoffs & World Cup Implications

The 2024-25 UEFA Nations League enters its decisive phase this week, with eight elite teams battling for continental supremacy while others fight for promotion or face relegation in European football's innovative competition.

Quarter-Finals: Europe's Elite Clash

The tournament's top eight teams will compete in two-legged quarter-finals:

March 20 & 23 Fixtures

• Netherlands vs Spain (2023 champions rematch)
• Croatia vs France (2018 World Cup final replay)
• Italy vs Germany (continental giants collide)
• Denmark vs Portugal (dark horses showdown)

Winners advance to June 2025 semi-finals (4th-5th) and the final in Rotterdam's De Kuip stadium.

British Isles Representation

While England secured automatic promotion to League A after dominating Group B2, other home nations face crucial battles:

• Scotland: Only home nation remaining in the tournament
• Wales: Already earned promotion to League A
• Northern Ireland: Topped C3, earning promotion to League B
• Republic of Ireland: Competing in promotion playoffs

Promotion/Relegation Playoffs

Sixteen additional teams battle for divisional survival:

League A/B Playoffs (March 20 & 23):

• Austria vs Belgium
• Ukraine vs Hungary
• Turkey vs Greece
• Slovenia vs Slovakia

League B/C Playoffs:

• Serbia vs Iceland
• Kosovo vs Georgia
• Armenia vs Bulgaria

World Cup Qualification Pathways

The Nations League provides backup routes to 2026 World Cup qualification:

• 4 best-ranked group winners not finishing top-2 in WC qualifying gain playoff spots
• England and Wales have likely secured playoff insurance
• Northern Ireland keeps qualification hopes alive
• Seeding system combines FIFA rankings with Nations League performance

Tournament Timeline

• Quarter-Finals: March 20 & 23, 2025
• Semi-Finals: June 4-5, 2025
• Final/3rd Place: June 8, 2025

With nearly 50 nations still involved across multiple leagues, the Nations League continues revolutionizing international football by ensuring competitive matches throughout the cycle while serving as an alternative World Cup qualification route.