How does the Nations League work?

DFB team on the way to the final

This is how the Nations League works

This week, Julian Nagelsmann is not just about the title in the Nations League. The DFB-Elf can only get closer to the best World Cup wicker with victories.

Julian Nagelsmann leaves no doubt: The title in the Nations League is his clear goal. But the semi-finals against Portugal on Wednesday (9 p.m. in the live ticker at T-Online) is much more important than just moving into the final. The national coach is also about the starting point for the 2026 World Cup.

A victory in the UEFA competition would bring the German national team decisive points for the world rankings-and thus probably secure the place in the first lottery pot of the World Cup draw. It is precisely this rank that is crucial in order to avoid a strong opponent at the grouping in December.

However, if Germany loses the semi-finals in Munich, the duel around the last pot 1 place could already be decided in favor of Italy. The consequence: The DFB-Elf would only end up in pot 2 in the draw-and would probably have to deal with opponents such as Spain, France, Argentina or England. Group A with co-host Mexico would also be possible-including high temperatures and difficult schedule.

Nagelsmann had already pointed out the importance of the world rankings in March. At that time, Germany gambled away the leap in ninth place with the late 3: 3 against Italy – and thus a better position in the ranking. In addition to the hosts USA, Canada and Mexico, the nine best teams in the world rankings are set in the first pot.

The points are calculated using a complex system. Each game is weighted differently – this makes each game relevant up to the World Cup.

With a victory against Portugal in the regular season, Germany (1716.98 points) would climb to 1730.27 points due to the 13.29 points won and in any case overtake Italy. The “Squadra Azzurra” (1718,31) can only get 7.49 points in its World Cup qualification game against Norway on Friday and come to 1725.80 points for the time being.

Already a defeat in the possible final of the Nations League against Spain or France, the DFB team would again bring in minus points. Italy could pass again a day later with a win against Moldau. The world rankings are decisive for the draw after completing the World Cup qualification games.

Regardless of the calculations, European countries still have to qualify for the World Cup finals. In its group, Germany meets Slovakia, Northern Ireland and Luxembourg in the second half of the year.

In the group phase, the 54 participating nations are spread over four leagues. League A is the strongest, League D the weakest. So far, the four groups of Liga A ended up in a final Four in which the tournament winner was determined.

Now the group second of the league A still have the chance of the title. In a quarter -finals with back and forth games, the group first and second in March fought, which four teams were ultimately allowed to take part in the final round in June.

The relegation regulation was also modified. So far, a league has only been down for the group last. In the future, third -party places will also have to compete against a second place in the lower division and could still descend. These relegation games also took place in March and offered another chance for the outsiders.

The Nations League has been held three times so far – and the final tournament took place three times without the German national team. The previous title bearers: 2018/19 Portugal won in his own country, in 2020/21 France prevailed in Italy, and Spain triumphed in the Netherlands in the 2022/23 season.