UEFA Nations League — History

The story of the UEFA Nations League — from the 2018 launch to the latest champions.

A New Era of International Football

UEFA launched the Nations League in 2018 to replace most international friendlies with competitive matches between similarly ranked nations. Every game counts — for promotion, relegation, knockout places, and seedings in World Cup and Euro qualifying.

The inaugural 2018–19 edition ended with hosts Portugal beating the Netherlands 1–0 in Porto. France claimed the 2021 title in Milan, Spain lifted the trophy in 2023 after a penalty shootout against Croatia, and Portugal became the first two-time champions by edging Spain on penalties in 2025.

Every Final

2024–25Portugal beat Spain2–2 (5–3 pens)

2022–23Spain beat Croatia0–0 (5–4 pens)

2020–21France beat Spain2–1

2018–19Portugal beat Netherlands1–0