UEFA Nations League - Women 2025/26

The UEFA Women's Nations League operates as a standalone league system for national teams, distinct from the traditional pyramid or domestic cup structures. Founded in November 2022 and approved by the UEFA Executive Committee, the inaugural 2023–24 season replaced friendlies and established a new competitive pathway.

The 2025–26 edition features 53 participating teams divided into three tiers: League A with 16 teams in four groups of four, League B with 16 teams in four groups of four, and League C with 21 teams across six groups. Notably, there is no League D, unlike the men's equivalent. Gibraltar and Liechtenstein made their debut in League C in 2025.

The format begins with a league phase, followed by finals for League A. In 2023–24, the group winners contested a mini-tournament in Seville. Spain claimed victory in that inaugural final against France. The 2025 final took a different form, decided via a two-legged tie where Spain defeated Germany 3–0 on aggregate to retain the title. Spain remains the current holder and most successful team.

Promotion and relegation rules govern movement between the leagues. Teams finishing fourth in League A groups are automatically relegated, while third-placed sides face second-placed League B teams in play-offs. Within League B, fourth-placed teams drop down automatically, and the two lowest-ranked third-placed teams also relegate. Play-offs determine additional drops between League B and C. League C group winners secure automatic promotion to League B.

This structure serves as the first phase of a two-part cycle, acting as a qualifying pathway for the UEFA Women's Championship and the FIFA Women's World Cup. It determines seeding for subsequent qualification rounds, setting it apart from standard Euro qualifiers.