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What is the UEFA Nations League?

Now into its third edition, the UEFA Nations League has been guaranteeing competitive matches for every European national team by replacing meaningless friendlies.

France's Kylian Mbappé and Karim Benzema with the UEFA Nations League trophy in 2021
France's Kylian Mbappé and Karim Benzema with the UEFA Nations League trophy in 2021 AFP via Getty Images

The UEFA Nations League is now into its third edition, successfully fulfilling its mission to minimise meaningless friendlies and give nations competitive encounters with equally-ranked teams.

Teams from the 55 European associations compete in a league structure which was adjusted after the first edition to comprise 16 teams in Leagues A, B and C and seven teams in League D. The four group winners of the top-ranked League A qualify for the UEFA Nations League Finals, which is hosted by one of the quartet.

The group winners in Leagues B, C and D gain promotion. Those who finish bottom of the groups in Leagues A and B are relegated. Two League C teams are relegated to League D. Those two teams are determined by play-outs (home and away) between the four fourth-ranked teams from each League C group.

Roll of honour

2018/19: Portugal
2020/21: France
2022/23: TBD