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Nations League
The Nations League was brought in by UEFA in 2018 to replace friendly fixtures during international breaks and fills the gap between a summer tournament ending and the following qualifiers beginning. Unlike traditional qualifying where countries play against teams ranked in different coefficient pots, the Nations League is designed for countries at a similar standard to play against each other. There are four leagues (A, B. C, D), each with 16 teams divided into four groups (apart from League D which has six teams split into two groups of three). There is promotion and relegation between the leagues, with the League A winners and runners-up advancing into the quarter-finals for the chance to win the Nations League trophy after three rounds. Performance in the Nations League can benefit countries in qualifying for the World Cup and Euros, a second chance. CONCACAF also has a Nations League and AFC plan to start a Nations League in 2028.
The Nations League might be seen as a little halfway house, not quite a full competitive match but more than a friendly but it’s helped lower-ranked nations to build confidence over time. The extra qualifying spot has led to countries like Georgia and North Macedonia qualifying for European Championships through the playoffs designated to the lower ranked Nations League placings.