The UEFA Nations League returns this week, with the league phase concluding across Matchdays 5 and 6 between November 12 and 17 — and England’s double-header against Croatia and Spain is the headline act.
Matchday 5 opens on Thursday 12 November with England hosting Croatia at Wembley at 7:45pm UK time, and Czechia hosting Spain at the same time, according to UEFA. Matchday 6 follows on Sunday 15 November, with Spain hosting England in Madrid and Croatia hosting Czechia.
There are 52 matches still to play across the competition, according to Vavel, and the final standings will decide promotion, relegation and the seedings for the next cycle. For the big nations, these two games are the last competitive fixtures before the year ends.
England’s week
England sit in a group they have already lit up once, beating Croatia 7-0 away in October after losing 3-2 at home to Spain in September, per UEFA’s results. Thursday’s game at Wembley should be a formality on paper, but Croatia will arrive determined to avoid a repeat humiliation, and England will be without the injured Marc Guehi.
Sunday’s trip to Spain is the real test. The Spanish won in London in September and have beaten Croatia twice, and they will want to finish top of the group in front of their own fans at the Metropolitano.
Wales head north
Wales also named their squad for the window, with trips to Norway on Saturday and Portugal to follow. Harry Wilson and Joe Rodon have been passed fit to return from injury, Jordan James is ruled out, and Southend loanee Joe Duncan has been handed a first senior call-up in goal, according to reports. For the smaller nations, the Nations League remains the most realistic route to a major tournament.
Sources: UEFA (Nov 9, 2026); Vavel (Nov 2026); England Football (Nov 9, 2026); The Punters Arms (Nov 10, 2026).
