2026/2027 Nations League: A Preview from Oranje Palace

The international break is just around the corner, which means the 2026/2027 UEFA Nations League is about to kick off. For the Dutch national team, the tournament gets off to a great start with a thrilling matchup: on Thursday, September 24, the Oranje will face Germany at home. This will be followed by matches against Serbia and Greece.

Before we look forward to enjoying Xavi’s team, it’s helpful to know exactly how the Nations League works. When does the Netherlands play? And what options are available if you want to bet on the Nations League? Oranje Palace has compiled the most important information for you.

##What is the Nations League?
These days, it’s hard to imagine soccer without the Nations League. Especially since it’s still a welcome alternative to meaningless friendly matches. The Nations League was created by UEFA to replace some of the traditional friendly international matches with games where there’s actually something at stake. In this case, countries are divided into different divisions based on their skill level, allowing them to play against similarly skilled opponents more often.

In the 2026/2027 season, the Nations League will consist of four tiers: League A, B, C, and D. League A is the highest tier and includes the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, and England, among others. Within each league, the countries are further divided into different groups; the Netherlands’ group consists of the Netherlands, Germany, Serbia, and Greece.

How does the 2026/2027 Nations League work?

The Netherlands competes in League A, the top division of the Nations League. This division consists of sixteen countries, divided into four groups of four. Each country plays every opponent twice: once at home and once on the road. This brings the total number of matches the Dutch national team plays to six.

After six matchdays, the final standings are determined. The top two teams from each group in League A advance to the quarterfinals. These quarterfinals will be played in March 2027 as home-and-away matches. The four winners will then advance to the final tournament in June 2027, where the semifinals and final will determine the winner of the Nations League.

It’s not just at the top that performance matters; there’s plenty at stake at the bottom of the divisions as well. This edition features revised rules for promotion and relegation. The two best third-place teams in League A remain at the top level. The remaining third-place teams and some of the fourth-place teams may face promotion/relegation matches, while the two lowest-ranked fourth-place teams are directly relegated to League B.

Netherlands Match Schedule in the Nations League

During the draw for the 2026/2027 Nations League, the Dutch national team was placed in Group A2. In that group, the Netherlands will face three countries, each of which is capable of putting on an exciting match.

| Match | Date | Time |
| -------------------------- - | ------------------- | --------- |
| Netherlands vs. Germany | September 24, 2026 | 8:45 p.m. |
| Serbia vs. Netherlands | September 27, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. |
| Greece - Netherlands | October 1, 2026 | 8:45 p.m. |
| Netherlands - Serbia | October 4, 2026 | 8:45 p.m. |
| Netherlands - Greece | November 13, 2026 | 8:45 p.m. |
| Germany vs. the Netherlands | November 16, 2026 | 8:45 p.m. |

The two matches against Germany, in particular, immediately stand out. The Netherlands will open the Nations League on September 24 against their eastern neighbors and will also close out the group stage on November 16 against Germany. Do you think the Netherlands will advance to the next round?

Key Dates for the 2026/2027 Nations League

The group stage begins in late September and runs through mid-November. The tournament will then continue in the spring of 2027 with the quarterfinals. De uiteindelijke winnaar wordt tijdens het finaletoernooi in juni bepaald.

The ultimate winner will be determined during the final tournament in June.

Betting on the Nations League

Want to experience this international tournament in an even more exciting way? Then betting on the Nations League might be right up your alley. During each match, there are various betting markets available. These include, for example, the match winner, a draw, or a double chance. In addition, you can bet on the number of goals, whether both teams will score, or specific performances by individual players. Think, for example, of the number of shots on goal or goal scorers.

So in a match like the Netherlands vs. Germany, you can do more than just predict which country will win. Depending on the available options, you can also bet on over or under a certain number of goals, both teams to score, or a combination of different predictions using a Bet Builder.

What should you keep in mind when betting on the Nations League?

You may have already noticed this, but matches between national teams are different from club soccer matches. Players come together from different clubs to train together for a short amount of time. In addition, this edition features several Nations League matches played in quick succession. For example, the Netherlands will play four international matches between September 24 and October 4. The question, then, is how Xavi’s squad will perform.

It’s therefore worth considering factors such as the starting lineup, recent international results, injuries, and the schedules of both teams when placing a bet. Home-field advantage and previous head-to-head matchups often provide some additional insight as well.

When is the 2026/2027 Nations League final?

The final tournament of the UEFA Nations League is scheduled for June 9–13, 2027. Four countries will participate. First, two semifinal matches will be played, after which the winners will face off in the final. At this time, the location of the final has not yet been announced.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the 2026/2027 Nations League begin?

The 2026/2027 UEFA Nations League kicks off on Thursday, September 24, 2026. The Netherlands will take the field that same evening against Germany.

Who will the Netherlands face in the Nations League?

The Netherlands has been placed in Group A2 of League A. The Oranje will face Germany, Serbia, and Greece. They will play one home game and one away game against each country.

When are the Nations League quarterfinals?

The quarterfinals of the 2026/2027 Nations League will be played from March 25 through March 30, 2027. Each quarterfinal consists of a home and an away match. The four winners will qualify for the Nations League Finals in June.

Who won the last Nations League?

Portugal won the 2024/2025 Nations League. In the final against Spain, the score was 2-2 after 120 minutes. Portugal then won the penalty shootout 5-3, claiming their second Nations League title.