The 2026/27 UEFA Nations League begins on Thursday, September 24, with eight matches scheduled across Leagues A, B and D.
UEFA has confirmed that the league phase will run from September 24 to November 17, with the quarter-finals scheduled for March 2027.
The opening night features several high-profile encounters, including Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Denmark, and defending champions Portugal and Wales.
UEFA Nations League Fixtures Tonight
(All times are Kenyan time, EAT)
Andorra vs Malta (7:00 PM)
Serbia vs Greece (9:45 PM)
Netherlands vs Germany (9:45 PM)
Norway vs Denmark (9:45 PM)
Portugal vs Wales (9:45 PM)
Austria vs Israel (9:45 PM)
Kosovo vs Republic of Ireland (9:45 PM)
Liechtenstein vs Lithuania (9:45 PM)
Netherlands vs Germany (League A)
Taking place at the Johan Cruijff Arena, Amsterdam, this is the headline match of the night because both teams are beginning new eras.
Xavi Hernández is taking charge of the Netherlands for the first time, while Jürgen Klopp is also making his competitive debut as Germany coach.
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The two nations met twice in the previous Nations League edition, drawing 2-2 in Amsterdam before Germany won 1-0 in Munich.
A high-scoring draw is the prediction, especially as both sides adapt to new coaches and tactical systems.
Norway vs Denmark (League A)
Norway enter the Nations League after reaching the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, their best-ever finish at the tournament.
Martin Ødegaard also had an influential World Cup, registering four assists, while Erling Haaland remains Norway’s biggest attacking threat.
Denmark missed the World Cup and are therefore returning to competitive action after a different summer.
Norway were promoted to League A after winning their 2024/25 League B group, while Denmark reached the quarter-finals of the previous Nations League before losing to eventual champions Portugal.
The match will take place at Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo.
Haaland’s presence and Norway’s recent competitive run make them capable of creating problems for Denmark, but the visitors have enough experience to keep the game close.
Portugal vs Wales (League A)
Portugal begin their title defense after becoming the first nation to win the Nations League twice in 2025.
They have also appointed Jorge Jesus as their new coach following Roberto Martínez’s departure.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains in the squad at 41 and could feature in Jesus’ first competitive match in charge.
The squad also includes Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leão, Vitinha, Rúben Dias and João Neves.
Wales are back in League A after winning promotion from League B.
Portugal are favorites to win, as their mix of experience and attacking quality makes them capable of controlling the match, although Wales’ return to the top tier adds importance to the fixture.
Serbia vs Greece (League A)
Greece are playing in League A for the first time.
They earned promotion after beating Scotland in the previous edition’s promotion/relegation play-offs.
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Serbia retained their League A position after beating Austria 3-1 on aggregate in the play-offs.
Serbia’s squad, however, is missing several experienced players through injury, including Aleksandar Mitrović, Nikola Milenković and goalkeeper Predrag Rajković.
Taking place at the Stadion Rajko Mitić, Belgrade, home advantage and Serbia’s experience at this level could be important, although Greece’s first campaign in League A makes this a difficult match to call.
Austria vs Israel (League B)
Austria return to League B after their relegation from the top tier.
Israel, meanwhile, are attempting to return to League A after their previous campaign.
Austria’s attacking record gives them the edge, and they are favorites to win.
Kosovo vs Republic of Ireland (League B)
Kosovo are beginning their first League B campaign at Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri, Pristina, after promotion from League C.
Their main attacking threat is Vedat Muriqi, who scored a hat-trick in the second leg of their promotion play-off.
The Republic of Ireland remain in League B after returning to the division for another campaign.
Prediction: Kosovo 1-1 Republic of Ireland
Liechtenstein vs Lithuania (League D)
With the match set for Rheinpark Stadion, Vaduz, Lithuania are attempting to begin their push back towards League C, while Liechtenstein are seeking to improve on their previous Nations League campaign.
Andorra vs Malta (League D)
This is the opening match of the night’s Nations League programme.
The two countries were also together in the previous edition, when Malta won both meetings 1-0.
How to Watch UEFA Nations League Live in Kenya
For viewers in Kenya, DStv Stream is the officially listed broadcast partner for the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League.
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PHOTO/FIFA
