For the first time, women are also playing a Nations League in UEFA. However, the format differs significantly from that of men – and therefore has greater meaning.
The 2023/24 season is the first of the Women’s Nations League. The general conditions:
- There are three leagues (A, B and C) with four or five groups each. Germany plays in Group 3 of League A with Denmark, Iceland and Wales.
- The four group winners of League A reach the final tournament of the Nations League, in which four teams determine the winning team in the semi-finals and final.
- The four runners-up manage to stay in the league.
- The four thirds in the group have to go into relegation against the runners-up from League B.
- The four bottom of the group are relegated to League B.
- The four group winners from League B are promoted to League A.
- Between leagues B and C there is also an ascent and descent.
The qualification for the European Championships and World Cup is now also in league format
The key difference to the men’s Nations League is the clearer connection to qualification for the World and European Championships. Because the league format remains the same in qualifying for the major tournaments.
The following applies to the EM 2025 in Switzerland:
- 16 teams play at the European Championships.
- Eight teams from League Athe four group winners and the four group runners-up, will definitely reach the European Championships.
- Host Switzerland is automatically included.
- The eight other teams in League A, the twelve best teams in League B and the eight best teams in League C play in a playoff tournament in two rounds the other seven free places.
Anyone who plays in League A is already guaranteed the playoffs, in League B only the bottom of the group are left out. The games in the Nations League are significantly more important than for the men – whoever is relegated now has worse chances of reaching the European Championships.
After the European Championship qualification, there will be another Nations League in which the teams can gain a better starting position for qualification for the 2027 World Cup. Things will be a little tighter, as UEFA currently has twelve places.
Flag with the Women’s Nations League logo.
Nations League every four years is the basis for Olympic qualification
In 2023/24 and every four years in the future, the final tournament of the Nations League will be of particular importance. In addition to hosts France, two teams can qualify, these will be the two teams from the final of the Nations League final tournament. From 2028, the women’s Olympic football tournament will be expanded from 12 to 16 teams.
The Olympics are much more important for women than for men. In the case of women, the clubs have a real obligation to play, the big stars are playing, the tournament is like another World Cup. Access in Europe now takes place via the Nations League.
Background: Qualification often delivered very clear results
With the reform, UEFA responded to the sometimes very clear results in the qualifying games. There will be more games at eye level through the leagues, “what greater sporting and commercial interest” should take care of the games, said Nadine Keßler, who is responsible for women’s football at UEFA.