UEFA Nations League quarterfinals kick off: Top teams fight for World Cup spots

Today, March 20, marks the beginning of the quarterfinals and playoffs in the UEFA Nations League football tournament, with 12 pairs of teams set to play their first matches.

In the quarterfinals, the top eight teams from League A will compete, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

The winners will also secure their places in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification stage. The team that lands in Azerbaijan's group will be determined by the match between France and Croatia.

Meanwhile, the first playoff matches will see third-place teams from League A face off against second-place teams from League B. Türkiye will play Hungary, while teams finishing third in League B will compete against second-place teams in League C. The winners of these encounters will play in League B next season.

UEFA Nations League Matches – March 20
Quarterfinals (First Leg):
23:45 – Netherlands vs Spain
23:45 – Croatia vs France
23:45 – Denmark vs Portugal
23:45 – Italy vs Germany

Playoff Matches for Promotion to League A:
21:00 – Türkiye vs Hungary
23:45 – Ukraine vs Belgium
23:45 – Austria vs Serbia
23:45 – Greece vs Scotland

Playoff Matches for Promotion to League B:
21:00 – Armenia vs Georgia
23:45 – Kosovo vs Iceland
23:45 – Bulgaria vs Ireland
23:45 – Slovakia vs Slovenia

Note: The return legs will take place on 23 March.

By Aghakazim Guliyev