Germany must win both November games to keep Nations League hopes alive

Jürgen Klopp's Germany have earned five points from their first four matches in the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League, leaving the quarter‑final places in doubt with two games remaining in November. A win, a draw and a loss have left them on three points, while the Netherlands and Greece sit on eight each.

Current standing in Group A2

Germany drew 1‑1 away to the Netherlands, lost 1‑0 at home to Greece, beat Serbia 2‑0 and then held Greece to a goalless draw in Athens. The Netherlands and Greece lead the group on eight points and a +2 goal difference, with the Dutch topping the goals‑scored chart. Serbia sit bottom without a point.

What the remaining fixtures mean

The final matches are Serbia versus Germany on 13 November and Germany versus the Netherlands on 16 November. Two wins would lift Germany to 11 points, a tally that would normally secure a top‑two finish.

However, the Netherlands host Germany and Greece host Serbia, so both rivals could also collect points. If all three teams finish level on points, goal difference will decide the qualifiers, meaning every goal in Berlin could be decisive.

Should Germany fail to win both games, they could finish third and risk a relegation play‑off, although 11 points would likely keep them safe in League A for the next edition.

In the event of a play‑off, Germany’s Nations League campaign would end and their next competitive test would be the UEFA Euro 2028 qualifying round in March.

Author Nico Herbertz notes that the new promotion‑relegation format, designed to reduce the competition to three leagues from 2028/29, adds extra pressure on the final fixtures.