The fifth edition of the UEFA Nations League will begin on September 24, 2026, marking the continuation of a competition that has replaced friendly matches and which at the same time brings financial benefits to national federations and UEFA itself.
The Nations League consists of four levels, while Kosovo for the first time in history will compete in League B, the second level of this competition.
This was achieved last year, when Kosovo defeated Iceland in the play-offs, securing a place in League B.
From League D to League B – Kosovo’s journey
In the first edition (2018/19), Kosovo was part of League D, the fourth and final level. Then, for three consecutive editions, the “Dardans” competed in League C.
Promotion to League B for the 2026/27 edition came thanks to two wins in the play-offs against Iceland in March last year, a historic success for the Kosovo national team.
Draw and pots: Kosovo in the fourth pot
The draw for the new edition of the Nations League will be held on February 12 in Brussels. Kosovo will be in pot four, along with Sweden, North Macedonia and Northern Ireland.
Pot 1: Scotland, Hungary, Poland, Israel
Pot 2: Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Austria, Ukraine
Pot 3: Slovenia, Georgia, Ireland, Romania
Pot 4: Sweden, North Macedonia, Northern Ireland, Kosovo.
The only banned match, against Bosnia and Herzegovina
Kosovo will have one representative from each of the first three pots in the group. The only match prohibited: Kosovo – Bosnia and Herzegovina.
According to the decisions of the UEFA Executive Committee, Kosovo cannot face Bosnia and Herzegovina, even though the latter is in the second pot.
“Based on the decisions of the UEFA Executive Committee, the teams that cannot be in a group are: Bosnia and Herzegovina (Liga B, pot 2) – Kosovo (Liga B, pot 4),” UEFA’s official announcement states.
Since 2016, UEFA has banned Kosovo’s matches with Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina for security reasons, while in 2019 the Kosovo-Russia matches were also banned.
Romania and Ukraine, potential challenges with a history of tension
Among the potentially most complicated matches for Kosovo are those with Romania. All previous matches between the two teams have been accompanied by political tensions and offensive behavior from Romanian fans, including provocative chants in Pristina.
Even past matches with Ukraine have had elements of political sensitivity, which makes Kosovo’s group potentially very interesting and delicate.
Match dates and current focus of Kosovo
The league stage matches will take place from September 24 to November 17, with two matches each in September, October and November.
However, currently, Kosovo’s entire focus is on the play-offs for qualification for the 2026 World Cup. On March 26, the “Dardans” play Slovakia in Bratislava in the semi-finals, while in case of victory, on March 31 they will face Turkey or Romania in the final.
The winner of the final secures a ticket to the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
League higher than Slovakia, stronger competition
While Kosovo will compete in League B, Slovakia remains in League C, which means that there can be no confrontation between the two representatives in the Nations League.
In League B, where Kosovo will compete, there are much stronger representatives, making this edition a great challenge, but also a real test for the level of the “Dardans”. /Telegraph/