Brussels:The fifth edition of the UEFA Nations League starts Thursday, involving 54 national teams divided into four leagues based on their sporting performance.

According to Anadolu Agency, this competition, organized by UEFA, offers national teams the chance to play more competitive matches against similarly ranked opponents, instead of relying on individual friendly games. The structure includes promotion and relegation, adding competitive depth across the editions.

The 2026/27 Nations League also links to the UEFA EURO 2028 qualifying process. The best-ranked Nations League group winners, who do not qualify through the European Qualifiers, may earn a playoff spot. The league phase draw took place in Brussels, where Trkiye was placed in League A Group A1 with France, Italy, and Belgium.

The league phase comprises six matchdays, beginning September 24-26, 2026, and ending on November 15-17. An extended international window from September 24 to October 6 allows teams to play four matches in quick succession. The quarterfinals and promotion/relegation playoffs occur March 25-30, 2027, with the finals scheduled for June 9-13, 2027.

Trkiye's campaign includes matches against France, Italy, and Belgium, starting with a game against France on Friday, followed by Italy on September 28, Belgium on October 2, and Italy again on October 5. The final matches are against Belgium on November 12 and France on November 15.

In League A, group winners and runners-up advance to the quarterfinals, leading to the June finals. Promotion and relegation rules aim to establish 18-team leagues for the 2028/29 edition. The format gives added significance to the 2026/27 Nations League, with implications for promotion, survival, and potential EURO 2028 qualification opportunities.