the Oranje chase the top prize and a Euro qualification spot in four Nations League duels

the Oranje is under national coach Xavi for four crucial Nations‑League‑duels, where a group win can not only deliver a ticket for Euro 2028, but also represents the first major prize since Euro 1988 for the Dutch men's team. The matches are against Germany, Greece and Serbia, both home and away, and are followed by a photo of Brian Brobbey in action against Germany. © Pim Ras Photography

Nations League: format and importance

A quick refresher: the Nations League was introduced by UEFA in the 2018/19 season to replace meaningless friendly internationals with matches that have something at stake. In Europe this period is entirely dedicated to the Nations League. All UEFA‑countries, with the exception of Russia due to the war in Ukraine, are divided into four levels, A through D, with A being the highest level. Within each level the countries are grouped into groups; the Netherlands is in division A.

The competition offers not only a sporting objective, but also tickets for the Euro or World Cup. A good performance can earn an extra qualification spot, making the Nations League an important safety net for countries that do not succeed through the regular qualification.

the Oranje's upcoming four duels

Under the new national coach Xavi, the Oranje will play four crucial matches in the coming weeks: at home against Germany, away in Greece, and both home and away against Serbia. These duels determine whether the Netherlands can qualify for Euro 2028 via a group win, in addition to the regular qualification.

The importance of the group win is described by Cristiano Ronaldo as a “real major prize”. A first or second place in the group also leads to participation in the Nations League final stage, where the eight group winners compete for the title.

Xavi chooses experienced reserve captains for the Oranje

The Nations League final is scheduled for 13 June 2027. The winner of that match will be crowned champion of the competition, a achievement that could be the first major prize for the Dutch men's team since Euro 1988.

Promotion and relegation mechanism

In addition to the battle for the major prize, promotion and relegation are at stake, affecting the chances of future Euro and World Cup qualification. A third‑place in division A leads to a relegation‑play‑off against the second‑placed team from a division‑B group, while the fourth‑place is directly relegated to division B.

In division B the group winner is promoted directly to division A; the second‑placed team plays a play‑off against a third‑placed team from division A, and the third‑placed team plays a play‑off against a second‑placed team from division C. The fourth place is directly relegated to division C. The rules for divisions C and D follow a similar pattern, with direct promotion for the group winners and play‑offs for the lower places.

An overview of the promotion and relegation rules per division clarifies the impact: in division A the numbers one and two advance to the final round, number three to a play‑off, and number four is relegated; in divisions B, C and D analogous mechanisms apply with the respective numbers.

The upcoming international break, during which club football worldwide comes to a halt, therefore offers a unique opportunity for the Oranje to secure both a European ticket and a prestigious trophy, while the structure of the Nations League influences the dynamics of European football competitions in the long term.