Explained: How promotion and relegation works in the UEFA Nations League

Explained: How promotion and relegation works in the UEFA Nations League

Eric Munene 15:30 - 04.09.2024

The Nations League is divided into four tiers in the Nations A-D, each these four tiers are then broken down further into groups of 4 or 3 teams

The UEFA Nations League is back for its fourth season, offering an exciting way for European national teams to compete and qualify for major tournaments like the UEFA European Championship. Here’s a simple breakdown of how it works:

Tournament structure

1. Divisions:

The Nations League is divided into four tiers, or divisions—A, B, C, and D. Each division is split into groups of three or four teams.

Division A: Features the top teams. The winners and of the four groups advance to the semi-finals to compete for the title, with the bottom teams relegated to Division B

Division B: Contains teams below the top tier. The group winners move up to Division A, while the bottom teams are relegated to Division C.

Division C: This division includes mid-tier teams. Top teams are promoted to Division B, and the bottom teams drop to Division D.

Division D: The lowest tier, where teams that are still developing their skills compete. Top teams are promoted, and bottom teams face relegation.

2. Promotion and relegation:

At the end of each season, the best teams from each group in Divisions B, C, and D are promoted to the next higher division. Conversely, the teams finishing at the bottom are relegated to a lower division. This ensures competitive balance and ongoing motivation for teams to perform well.

3. Knockout Stage:

In Division A, the top teams from each group enter a knockout stage, including semi-finals and a final, to determine the overall champion.

How will teams benefit from this format?

Teams can use their Nations League performance as a route to qualify for the UEFA European Championship, adding extra significance to their matches.

The UEFA Nations League offers a competitive and engaging way for national teams to showcase their talents and strive for success on the European stage.

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