FOOTBALL – The UEFA Women’s Nations League draw has positioned Spain and England in the same group for the league stage running from February to June 2025.
The competition, now in its second edition, continues to grow with 53 participating teams, including first-time entries Gibraltar and Liechtenstein. The draw, conducted by UEFA in Nyon, lays the foundation for the league phase, which will see fierce competition and opportunities for promotion and relegation among the leagues.
Key highlights of the UEFA Women’s Nations League draw
The 53 participating teams have been sorted into three leagues based on their performance in the 2024 Women’s European Qualifiers. Spain, the defending champions, and England, fresh off an intense World Cup final, are grouped together in League A, which promises thrilling matches. The draw also places teams from across the UK and Ireland, including Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland, in competitive positions.
Spain and England grouped together
The matchup between Spain and England stands out. Spain, the current world champions, previously faced England in the 2023 World Cup final, where Spain claimed victory with a narrow 1-0 score. Following their World Cup success, Spain went on to secure the first-ever Nations League title, defeating France in the final. England, led by Sarina Wiegman, sees this as another opportunity to challenge Spain and play at the highest level.
Group structure and league mechanics
The competition format divides the teams into three leagues:
- League A: The top-tier league featuring Spain, England, Belgium, and Portugal. League A group winners will advance to the Nations League finals, while the bottom teams face relegation to League B.
- League B and C: Teams in Leagues B and C are placed according to 2024 rankings. League B winners earn promotion to League A, while fourth-placed teams face relegation. In League C, group winners also have a path to promotion.
Promotion and relegation system
The promotion and relegation mechanism keeps the competition dynamic:
- League A: Third-placed teams play against League B second-placed teams for a spot in League A, while fourth-placed teams are relegated.
- League B: Second-placed teams face League A’s third-placed teams, while third-placed teams in League B compete against top League C teams.
- League C: Promotion opportunities are available for League C’s top teams, with second-tier matches determining movement to League B.
Match calendar
Key dates for the 2025 UEFA Nations League include:
- League stage matchdays: February 19-26, April 2-8, and May 28-June 3, 2025.
- Finals draw: June 6, 2025 (date to be confirmed).
- Finals: Semi-finals (October 22-28, 2025) and finals (November 26-December 2, 2025).
Participation of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland
Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland will all participate, with opportunities to advance or be relegated depending on their group performance. Furthermore, this inclusion offers a chance for these teams to compete at higher levels in the European women’s football landscape.
The importance of group stage matches
In this league setup, each team faces its group opponents in a home-and-away format. Three points are awarded for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss. This will emphasise the importance of every matchday. For teams like Spain and England, consistent performance will be key to advancing to the knockout stage and maintaining their positions in League A.
The 2025 UEFA Women’s Nations League promises intense matches. This will no doubt be seen particularly in League A where Spain and England will face each other again. This league structure and promotion-relegation system ensure a highly competitive tournament across all leagues, providing growth opportunities for new teams like Gibraltar while allowing top teams to compete at the highest level.
For a look at all the groups within leagues A, B and C, click here to see all 53 teams.