UEFA has approved a new promotion and relegation system between the Nations League divisions following the 2026/27 season. This change accompanies the shift from a four-tier structure to a three-tier format starting with the 2028/29 campaign.
During the transitional season, playoff matches will determine the teams that qualify for each division in the next edition.
In the playoffs between Leagues A and B, four teams from League A will compete: the two lowest-ranked third-place finishers and the two best fourth-place teams. They will face four second-placed teams from League B. The winners of these four ties will secure a spot in League A for the 2028/29 season, while the losers will compete in League B.
Similarly, the playoffs between Leagues B and C will feature four fourth-placed teams from League B against four runners-up from League C. Winners will remain in League B, while the losing sides will play in League C.
The composition of the leagues for the 2028/29 season will be as follows:
The four group winners from League B will earn direct promotion to League A. Conversely, the two lowest-ranked fourth-place teams in League A will be relegated directly to League B.
The four group winners from League C will be promoted directly to League B. Since League D will be discontinued after the reform, all six of its participants will move up to League C.
As a result, League A in 2028/29 will consist of the eight quarterfinalists from the current League A, the two best third-placed teams, the four group winners from League B, and the four winners of the A/B playoff matches.
League B will include the two relegated fourth-place teams from League A, the four losers of the A/B playoffs, four third-placed teams from League B, four group winners from League C, and four winners of the B/C playoffs.
League C will be made up of the four losers of the B/C playoffs, eight teams finishing third and fourth in their League C groups, and the six teams promoted from the former League D.
It is worth noting that the Ukraine national team currently competes in League B, where their group opponents will be Hungary, Georgia, and Northern Ireland.
