UEFA Nations League: What's at stake, 2026 World Cup qualifying impact

UEFA Nations League ( UNL ) group stage has ended with two rounds of games to be played.

The 2024-25 edition sees more teams through to the knockout format, plus promotion/relegation playoffs.

For the first time the final positions will have some impact on the qualifying draw for the next FIFA World Cup .

FIFA has given UEFA permission to put all eight UNL quarterfinalists in Pot 1 of the draw.

There are 16 teams in the playoffs, creating four paths with one -legged semifinals and a final, to be played in March 2026 .

The UNL League A winners are very unlikely to need a World Cup playoff, which means winning a League B group will almost certainly give you a playoff, and being one of the best League C group winners gives you a great chance.

Croatia ( 7 ) can book a top- two slot with a draw in Scotland on Friday .

Romania ( 12 ) have the best record in League C , meaning they have an excellent chance of a World Cup playoff through the UNL -- if they can hold on to top spot.

Azerbaijan (0) host Estonia ( 3 ) on Saturday and must win to avoid being last in League D.

Lithuania face automatic relegation having lost every match.