Portugal and Spain secure Nations League quarter-final places after four rounds

Portugal and Spain are the only teams to have secured qualification for the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals after collecting maximum points from their opening four matches.

The current international break has featured four rounds of the competition, significantly clarifying the standings and the different routes to the last eight. The final two rounds will be played between 12 and 17 November.

In the top division, the leading two teams in each group progress directly to the quarter-finals. The bottom two sides among the teams finishing third, together with the best two sides ranked fourth, enter play-offs to avoid relegation. The two lowest-ranked fourth-placed teams are relegated automatically, according to Spanish newspaper AS.

Once the group stage is complete, the quarter-final draw will take place for ties scheduled between 25 and 30 March 2027. The semi-finals are due to be played between 9 and 13 June 2027.

Group A

France lead the group with 10 points, three ahead of Italy in second. Belgium are third on six points, while Turkey have been eliminated from contention and can only finish third in highly unlikely circumstances.

Group B

The closest group in the competition sees Netherlands and Greece level on eight points at the top. Germany, on five points, remain in contention for first place, while Serbia’s campaign has brought no points so far and they are battling to avoid relegation.

Group C

Spain have been the standout side in Group C, winning all four of their matches during the international break. That perfect record has taken them clear at the summit and secured their place in the quarter-finals.

England are the only team still capable of challenging Spain for top spot, with nine points from their four games. Croatia occupy third place but have no realistic prospect of reaching the quarter-finals. Czech Republic, who have yet to collect a point, still have an opportunity to avoid relegation.

Group D

Portugal have also won all four matches and, with 12 points, have guaranteed their place in the quarter-finals. However, they have not yet mathematically secured first place, with Denmark second on six points.

The remaining two fixtures will determine the fate of Wales and Norway. Depending on the results, either side could still reach the quarter-finals, enter the play-off round or face relegation.