Aside from adding some much-needed excitement to the frequent international breaks, the UEFA Nations League also opens up an alternative path for teams aiming to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. This tournament serves as a bridge between Euro 2024 and the next World Cup,

The league stage of the second edition of the UEFA Women's Nations League begins on Friday 21 February. Find out all the fixtures as the teams in League A compete for finals spots, with promotion and relegation also at stake throughout the leagues.

Europe’s governing body have confirmed that the draw procedure ahead of the group qualifying stage will be held on 13 December in Zurich (draw time still yet to be confirmed) with the first round of group qualifying games commencing in March 2025 with the final matches taking place in November.

BBC Sport looks at what England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have to play for in the Nations League - and how it ties into the World Cup.