The final stage of the UEFA Nations League 2023 is nearly here. The third edition of this fresh European championship advances to the decisive rounds, featuring semifinals and a final that will crown the new champion.
Four teams earned spots in Division A by finishing first in their respective groups. Croatia led Group 1 and secured a semifinal berth, joining Denmark, France (the defending champions), and Austria in the knockout phase.
Spain reached the final stage by topping Group 2, with Portugal, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic also advancing from that group. Álvaro Morata’s late goal in the 88th minute against Portugal propelled Spain into the semifinals.
Italy followed as the third semifinalist after leading a challenging Group 3 that included Hungary, Germany, and England.
The remaining participant in the final stage was the Netherlands, who defeated Belgium, Poland, and Wales in Group 4 to clinch a spot in the knockouts.
Historically, Spain (2021) and the Netherlands (2019) had finished second in the first two editions, while Italy placed third two years prior. For Croatia, this will be their first appearance in the final stage of the competition.
Once the qualifying teams were determined, the January draw set the two semifinals for the event:
1st semi-final: Netherlands – Croatia
Semi-final 2: Spain – Italy
On February 28, the head coach of Spain presented the squad for a forthcoming court call, with the team signaling readiness to compete. Official updates and announcements followed through national federation channels.
Dates and venues for the final stage were announced to outline the schedule and locations of each match. The first semifinal between the Netherlands and Croatia was set for Wednesday, June 14, with kick-off at 20:45 local time. The match would take place at Feijenoord Stadium in Rotterdam, with the Netherlands serving as hosts for the encounter.
The second semifinal, Spain versus Italy, was scheduled for Thursday, June 15 at 20:45. The venue was set as FC Twente Stadium in Enschede. The third-place playoff was slated for Sunday, June 18 at 15:00 in Enschede, featuring the two semifinal losers. The grand final of the 2023 UEFA Nations League was scheduled for Sunday, July 18 at 20:45, hosted at Feijenoord Stadium in Rotterdam, where the winners of the semifinals would vie for the title of the competition’s newest champion.
These matchups and dates provided a clear roadmap for fans across Europe and North America alike, with broadcasters and federations coordinating schedules to ensure accessibility to the drama, tactical battles, and potential breakthrough performances from emerging stars in all participating nations. The Nations League continues to grow as a stage for high-stakes football, blending national pride with competitive balance in a format that rewards progressing through a robust group phase into meaningful knockout fixtures.
For observers, the semifinals promised contrasting styles: the Netherlands pushing high-intensity pressing and organized build-up, while Croatia looked to exploit counterattacking windows. Spain emphasized possession and quick combination play, with Italy aiming for structured, efficient transitions. As the tournament unfolded, fans anticipated upsets, late goals, and a final that could redefine the competitive landscape of European international football, all under the governance and historical context of UEFA.