UEFA Nations League Returns as Ronaldo, Xavi and Klopp Headline Opening Night

The 2026/27 UEFA Nations League begins on Thursday with eight matches across Leagues A, B and D, as European national teams return to competitive action following the 2026 World Cup.

The league phase will run from September 24 to November 17, with the quarter-finals scheduled for March 2027. The opening fixtures include several high-profile clashes, with Portugal beginning their title defence against Wales and Netherlands hosting Germany.

In Lisbon, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start for Portugal against Wales after new head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that the 41-year-old remains part of his plans. The match will be Jesus’ first competitive game in charge of Portugal following Roberto Martínez’s departure.

Ronaldo has 233 international caps and 146 goals for Portugal, and his continued involvement comes after he previously indicated that the 2026 World Cup would be his final appearance at the tournament. Portugal are entering the new Nations League campaign as defending champions after winning the competition in 2025.

Another major attraction is the meeting between the Netherlands and Germany at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam. The fixture marks the beginning of new competitive eras for both sides, with Xavi Hernández taking charge of the Netherlands and Jürgen Klopp beginning his competitive tenure as Germany coach.

Norway will also face Denmark in Oslo, with Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard among the players expected to attract attention. Norway return to League A after winning promotion from League B in the previous edition, while Denmark remain among Europe’s top-tier Nations League teams.

Elsewhere in League A, Serbia host Greece in Belgrade, with Greece making their first appearance in the top division after securing promotion. In League B, Austria face Israel while Kosovo host the Republic of Ireland. League D also gets underway with Andorra taking on Malta and Liechtenstein facing Lithuania.

The league phase will determine which teams progress to the knockout stages and which sides face promotion or relegation play-offs. The Nations League will also have implications for the European qualification pathway to Euro 2028, making the competition important beyond the battle for the trophy.