Why the final group matches of the UEFA Nations League matter

The group matches of this month's UEFA Nations League should not be seen as an ordinary international calendar. In the final group round, quarter-final places, the risk of relegation and the seeding order for the major tournaments are all on the table together.

In League A, the top two teams in each group advance to two-legged quarter-final ties. Under the previous system, only group winners went directly to the Final Four. The matches played this week will also decide which teams reach the knockout rounds and whether they will be seeded in the next qualifying draw.

In Leagues B, C and D, winning a group means automatic promotion to a higher league. In Leagues A, B and C, the last-placed team in each group is automatically relegated to a lower league. In addition, the third-placed teams in League A play two-legged play-offs against the runners-up in League B, and the third-placed teams in League B play against the runners-up in League C. As a result, the outcome of almost every matchday affects whether a team stays up, goes up or goes down.