France, Italy, and Portugal are aiming to secure their places in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, while England faces an uphill battle due to key player absences. With Spain and Germany already qualified, six remaining spots will be decided in the final two rounds of group matches over the next week.
Italy and Portugal, both unbeaten, need just one point to advance. France is also in a strong position as they prepare to host Israel on Thursday, with heightened security measures due to recent tensions. This match comes shortly after clashes in Amsterdam during a game between Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax. Given concerns over safety, Israel has advised fans to avoid the Paris fixture.
France defender Dayot Upamecano voiced empathy for fans opting out, expressing his hopes for peace, while team captain Kylian Mbappe remains absent due to recent controversies. Coach Didier Deschamps stated that the absence is “for the best” to allow the player to focus on recovery, following media reports of an investigation that Mbappe and his lawyer have dismissed as false.
Following their match against Israel, France will head to Milan to face Group A leaders Italy. Italy first faces Belgium, needing only to avoid defeat to advance, while Portugal will host Poland before traveling to Croatia. Meanwhile, the Netherlands and Hungary will battle in a key A3 clash, with Germany positioned to secure the top spot by defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina. In Group A4, Denmark and Serbia compete for the final qualifying position alongside Spain.
The quarter-finals will take place in March, with the four-team finals set for June.
England, meanwhile, must win in Athens against Greece to maintain their chances for promotion back to the top tier. Greece, who defeated England 2-1 at Wembley last month, remains undefeated in League B. England’s interim manager Lee Carsley, preparing to hand over to Thomas Tuchel, faces the challenge without several star players, including Declan Rice and Phil Foden.
Other notable matches include Georgia’s potential promotion from League D to A with wins over Ukraine and the Czech Republic, while San Marino eyes a rise to League C by defeating Gibraltar. Relegation and promotion play-offs between League A and B, and between B and C, are also on the horizon. These outcomes could also impact the qualification paths for the next World Cup, with Nations League standings playing a role in the playoff berths.
