The UEFA Nations League league phase kicks off on Thursday, September 24. Three of the day’s fixtures stand out above the rest. Here’s the form, the history, and what’s worth knowing before kick-off.

See the full Matchday 1 schedule and odds –> HERE <– 

Netherlands vs Germany

This is arguably the standout fixture of the entire opening day, and it comes with a major subplot: it’s Jürgen Klopp’s first match in charge of the German national team, having taken over from Julian Nagelsmann after Germany’s Round of 32 exit at the 2026 World Cup, eliminated on penalties by Paraguay following a 1-1 draw.

Germany’s last three:

• Lost to Paraguay 1-1 (4-3 on penalties) – World Cup Round of 32
• Lost 1-2 to Ecuador – World Cup group stage
• Won 6-0 vs Slovakia – World Cup qualifying

Netherlands’s last three:

• Drew 1-1 with Morocco (lost on penalties) – World Cup Round of 32
• Beat Sweden 5-1 – World Cup group stage
• Beat Tunisia 3-1 – World Cup group stage

Last meetings: Netherlands 2 wins – Germany 1 win – 2 draws.

Portugal vs Wales

Portugal enter this Nations League cycle as the reigning champions, having won the previous edition of the tournament. That status alone adds weight to their opening fixture, a strong start is the standard expectation for a side defending a title.

Portugal’s last three:

• Lost 0-1 to Spain – World Cup Round of 16
• Beat Croatia 2-1 – World Cup Round of 32
• Drew 0-0 with Colombia – World Cup group stage

Wales’s last three (Wales didn’t qualify for the World Cup, so this is friendly form):

• Lost 1-2 to Romania
• Drew 1-1 with Ghana
• Drew 1-1 with Northern Ireland

Norway vs Denmark

A Scandinavian derby to open the group, with the usual added intensity that comes from a regional rivalry between two sides who share a border and a long football history.

Norway’s last three (Norway reached the World Cup quarter-finals, their best-ever result):

• Lost 1-2 to England – World Cup quarter-final
• Beat Brazil 2-1 – World Cup Round of 16
• Beat Ivory Coast 2-1 – World Cup Round of 32

Denmark’s last three (Denmark failed to qualify for the World Cup):

• Drew 0-0 with DR Congo – friendly
• Lost to Czechia 2-2 (on penalties) – World Cup qualifying playoff
• Beat North Macedonia 4-0 – World Cup qualifying

This is analysis, not a betting tip. Use it as a starting point for your own read on these matches, not a shortcut to a pick.