One More Chance: Türkiye Could Still Stay in the Nations League

Our national football team lost 2-1 to Belgium, which has largely used up our chance to escape last place in UEFA Nations League Group 1. In every previous edition of the Nations League, the bottom teams in each group have been relegated directly. This year, however, a special exception applies because the D League is being scrapped and a 3-tier structure of 18 teams per league will be introduced from next season.

This season, two teams each from Leagues A and B will be relegated directly. In League A, the two worst of the four bottom-placed teams will go down automatically. The remaining two last-place teams will play a two-legged play-off in March 2027 against the two worst group third-placed teams from League A and the League B group runners-up. The team that has the advantage over its opponent will stay in League A.

Our national team is level with Czechia on zero points but ahead on goal difference. Serbia also has zero points, but its goal difference is three goals better. Norway and Wales have three points each, and both have a clear advantage in goals and goal difference. Since we play away to France in our final group match, overtaking Serbia and Czechia looks more likely at this stage.

If the national team reaches the play-offs, it will be drawn against one of the League B group runners-up. Possible opponents include Hungary, whom we beat in the last Nations League play-off, Kosovo, whom we defeated in the World Cup qualifying play-off, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia.

Türkiye's sixth and final group match will be away to France. The match, at the Matmut Atlantique Stadium in Bordeaux, will be refereed by Chris Kavanagh of the English Football Association. Kavanagh will be assisted by Dan Cook and Ian Hussin. The fourth official will be Robert Jones, with Darren England as VAR and Michael Salisbury as AVAR.