The 2026-27 Nations League is played in two stages: a group phase in autumn 2026, then quarter-finals and a finals tournament in 2027. France are in Group A1 with Italy, Belgium and Turkey. Here are the dates and rules to know to understand what is at stake in each match.
Information checked on 4 October 2026. Illustrative photo of a football stadium.
France’s next matches: Italy vs France, Thursday 12 November at 20:45 on TF1 and France vs Turkey, Sunday 15 November at 20:45 on TF1.
What is the 2026-27 Nations League schedule?
The first four matchdays are grouped in a long international window between 24 September and 6 October 2026. The last two group matchdays are played in November. This makes the start of the competition particularly busy: it is better to check each match listing rather than remember a single date for a whole matchday.
| Stage | Scheduled dates |
|---|---|
| Matchday 1 | 24 to 26 September 2026 |
| Matchday 2 | 27 to 29 September 2026 |
| Matchday 3 | 30 September to 3 October 2026 |
| Matchday 4 | 4 to 6 October 2026 |
| Matchday 5 | 12 to 14 November 2026 |
| Matchday 6 | 15 to 17 November 2026 |
| Quarter-finals | 25 to 30 March 2027 |
| Finals | 9 to 13 June 2027 |
These windows appear in the official UEFA guide. For the exact fixture, kick-off time and results, see the updated group-stage schedule.
How can France reach the quarter-finals?
In League A, the top two in each of the four groups reach the quarter-finals. For Les Bleus, the aim is therefore to finish in one of the top two places in Group A1. A single win is not enough to secure qualification: you need to look at the full table and the remaining matches.
The rules for the knockout stage provide for a draw between a group winner and a runner-up from another group. The quarter-finals are played home and away. Runners-up play the first leg at home; the aggregate score over the two matches decides who goes through, with the regulatory provisions applying in case of a tie.
What is the difference between the quarter-finals and the finals?
The four quarter-final winners join the finals tournament. The semi-finals, the third-place match and the final are each played as a single match. So there are three stages to note in your diary: the end of the groups in November, the two-legged ties in March and the tournament in June.
How to prepare for a match night without mistakes?
- Check the names of both national teams and the date on the official listing.
- Check the time zone shown, especially if you are following the match from abroad.
- Check the schedule of the broadcaster available in your country before subscribing to an offer.
- Test your setup before kick-off: updated app and stable connection.
To watch online, our guide to the speed needed for HD and 4K streaming helps you prepare your connection. You can also check the signs of an authorised streaming service.
Frequently asked questions
Are France directly qualified for the finals?
No. They must first earn a place in the quarter-finals, then win their two-legged tie to join the final four.
Why is it called the 2026-27 edition?
The groups are played in 2026 and the title is decided in 2027. A search limited to “2026 final” may therefore bring up another edition.
Photo credit: Tanya Barrow, Unsplash, used under Unsplash licence.