UEFA Nations League Winners List
Quick Answer
Portugal is the most successful UEFA Nations League team with 2 titles (2019, 2025). The tournament has crowned 3 different winners in 4 editions since its launch in 2018.
- Portugal has won 50% of all UEFA Nations League tournaments
- The 2025 final saw Portugal beat Spain 5-3 on penalties
- Every edition has featured a unique host nation
Since its launch in 2018, the UEFA Nations League has revolutionized international football by substituting competitive group rounds and knockout finals for friendlies. The event, which features matches from all 55 UEFA member nations, ensures new rivalries, tactical intrigue, and spectacular endings throughout the international season.
The competition has had a different champion each time since its inaugural final in 2019, when Portugal defeated the Netherlands in Porto to win the first trophy. Portugal is the only nation to win multiple titles after his second success in 2025. In that final in Munich, Portugal made a triumphant comeback on the international scene by defeating Spain on penalties after a 2–2 draw.
Complete Winners List
| Season | Host | Winner | Score | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | Germany | Portugal (2) | 2–2 (a.e.t.) (5–3 p) |
Spain |
| 2022–23 | Netherlands | Spain | 0–0 (a.e.t.) (5–4 p) |
Croatia |
| 2020–21 | Italy | France | 2–1 | Spain |
| 2018–19 | Portugal | Portugal | 1–0 | Netherlands |
Notes: a.e.t. = after extra time, p = penalties
UEFA Nations Tournament Format
The UEFA Nations League follows a unique tournament format designed to increase competitiveness among Europe’s 55 national teams while reducing the number of friendlies. The teams are divided into four leagues (A, B, C, and D), based on their UEFA coefficients at the time of the draw.
The top-ranked teams on the continent are in League A, while the bottom-ranked teams are in League D. A round-robin, home-and-away structure is used for competition, with each league further divided into groups of three or four teams. In order to maintain fluidity and balance across competitions, points are distributed as in regular league play, with promotion and relegation on the line.
The stakes are much higher for League A, the premier division. The Nations League Finals, a mini-tournament that consists of two semi-finals, a third-place play-off, and a final hosted by one of the participating nations, are open to the four group winners. The tournament is more significant for lower leagues since they compete not just for promotion but also for possible playoff routes to the FIFA World Cup or UEFA European Championship.
This structure ensures that every nation, regardless of size or ranking, has something to play for—whether it is silverware at the top, a chance to qualify for major tournaments, or simply climbing the rankings through promotion.
UEFA Nations League Records
Finals Decided by Penalties
2 out of 4 finals (50%) went to penalty shootouts
Highest Scoring Final
Portugal 2-2 Spain (2025) - 4 total goals including extra time
- Most Titles: Portugal (2 - 2019, 2025)
- First Winner: Portugal (2019)
- Most Recent Winner: Portugal (2025)
- Different Winners: 3 nations have won the trophy
- Finals Decided by Penalties: 2 (2023, 2025)
- Highest Scoring Final: Portugal 2-2 Spain (2025, 5-3 on penalties)
“Supporters realise that most friendlies fail to deliver competitive and meaningful football.” — Aleksander Čeferin, UEFA President, 23 August 2018.
What We Know About The UEFA Nations League
The UEFA Nations League's fifth edition, which will take place in 2026–2027, will expand on its increasing importance in European football and serve as a crucial route to qualifying for Euro 2028, which will be hosted by the UK and Republic of Ireland. The league phase will take place from September 23 to November 16, 2026, and will involve 55 UEFA members divided among four divisions, a similar format to last year's UEFA Nations League tournament.Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has won the most UEFA Nations Leagues?
Portugal has won the most UEFA Nations League titles with 2 victories (2019 and 2025), becoming the first nation to win multiple titles.
How many UEFA Nations League tournaments have there been?
There have been 4 UEFA Nations League tournaments: 2018-19 (won by Portugal), 2020-21 (won by France), 2022-23 (won by Spain), and 2024-25 (won by Portugal).
Who won the last Nations League?
Portugal won the most recent UEFA Nations League in 2025, defeating Spain 5-3 on penalties in Munich. Before that, Spain won in 2023.
How many times has Portugal won the UEFA Nations League?
Portugal has won the UEFA Nations League 2 times - in 2019 (the inaugural edition) and 2025.
What is the format of the UEFA Nations League?
The UEFA Nations League divides 55 European nations into four leagues based on rankings. Teams play in groups, with League A group winners advancing to the Finals tournament to determine the champion.
Why was the UEFA Nations League created?
The UEFA Nations League was created in 2018 to replace meaningless international friendlies with competitive matches. It provides more engaging games for fans and better preparation opportunities for teams between major tournaments.
References
- UEFA. (2025). "UEFA Nations League Finals 2024-25." UEFA.com. Official tournament results and statistics.
- European Football Statistics. (2025). "Nations League Historical Data." European Football Database. Competition records since 2018.
- Sports Reference. (2025). "International Football Tournament Winners." International Soccer Archives. Comprehensive tournament history.
- FIFA Technical Study Group. (2025). "Analysis of UEFA Nations League Format." FIFA Technical Reports. Tournament structure evaluation.
- Wood, R.J. (2025). "Evolution of European International Football." Topend Sports Research. Analysis of competition development.
Related Pages
- Home of UEFA Nations League
- More Major Football Events
- List of UEFA Champions League Winners
- Other major world sporting events
- About the Sport of Football (Soccer)
- FIFA World Cup Winners
- UEFA European Championship Winners
- Copa America Winners
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