Who could England face in Nations League quarter-finals?
England have secured their place in the Nations League quarter-finals with a 2-1 win over Croatia at Wembley. Their final group match against Spain will determine the route they take into March’s last eight.
Why Sunday’s trip to Madrid matters
Thomas Tuchel’s side sit second in Group A3, three points behind Spain. England lost to the world champions at Wembley at the start of the campaign, but both teams are already assured of a quarter-final place.
A win in Madrid on Sunday would send England through as group winners. A draw or defeat would leave them second — a distinction that affects both their possible opponents and where they play the second leg.
- If England win
-
Group winners
Seeded in the draw, facing a runner-up from another group and playing the second leg at home.
- If England draw or lose
-
Group runners-up
Facing a winner from another group, with the second leg away from home.
The potential opponents
Following the matches on November 12, these teams remained in contention for quarter-final qualification in the other three League A groups. England’s eventual opponent will depend on the final standings and the draw.
- Group A1
- Italy, France, Belgium
- Group A2
- Netherlands, Greece, Germany
- Group A4
- Portugal, Denmark, Wales, Norway
The road to the finals
- Quarter-final draw
- November 20 11am
- First legs
- March 25–27
- Second legs
- March 28–30
The quarter-finals will be played over two legs during the March international break, with the seeded group winners hosting the return matches.
The four winners will advance to the Nations League Finals, held from June 9 to June 13, 2027. The tournament will include two semi-finals, a third-place play-off and the final.
The four semi-finalists will be invited to bid to host the semi-finals and final.
