The 2026 UEFA Nations League is about to begin, with Matchday 1 bringing a packed schedule of exciting fixtures across Europe. Several heavyweight nations will be in action, including Portugal, France, Spain, England, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. Here are our straightforward predictions for every Matchday 1 fixture.
Andorra vs Malta
Malta should come out on top in what could be a tight and competitive encounter. Andorra can make things difficult, but Malta should have enough quality to edge the contest.
Prediction: Andorra 1 - 2 Malta
Netherlands vs Germany
One of the biggest games of Matchday 1 sees Xavi's Netherlands take on Jurgen Klopp's Germany. Klopp's experience and superiority as a manager should give Germany the advantage in this heavyweight clash.
Prediction: Netherlands 1 - 3 Germany
Serbia vs Greece
Serbia should comfortably win this fixture. They have the attacking quality to control the game and should create enough chances to secure three points.
Prediction: Serbia 3 - 1 Greece
Norway vs Denmark
This could be an entertaining Scandinavian battle, but Erling Haaland should be the difference-maker for Norway. His goalscoring ability could prove decisive.
Prediction: Norway 3 - 2 Denmark
Portugal vs Wales
Jorge Jesus will take charge of his first Portugal game, while Cristiano Ronaldo remains the headline star. We expect Portugal to win comfortably, with Ronaldo scoring twice.
Prediction: Portugal 3 - 1 Wales
Austria vs Israel
Austria should have too much quality for Israel and are expected to dominate large portions of the match.
Prediction: Austria 3 - 1 Israel
Kosovo vs Republic of Ireland
This could be a close contest, but the Republic of Ireland should have enough to come away with an important victory.
Prediction: Kosovo 1 - 2 Republic of Ireland
Liechtenstein vs Lithuania
Neither side is expected to dominate, making a stalemate our preferred outcome in this matchup.
Prediction: Liechtenstein 2 - 2 Lithuania
Georgia vs Northern Ireland
Georgia will look to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for inspiration, and his individual quality could help them overcome Northern Ireland.
Prediction: Georgia 2 - 1 Northern Ireland
Armenia vs Latvia
This looks like another closely fought fixture, with little separating the two sides over 90 minutes.
Prediction: Armenia 1 - 1 Latvia
Italy vs Belgium
Another major Matchday 1 fixture sees Roberto Mancini return as Italy manager. However, Belgium could spoil his return by securing an impressive away victory.
Prediction: Italy 1 - 3 Belgium
Türkiye vs France
France should make a strong start in Zinedine Zidane's first game in charge. With Kylian Mbappe leading the attack, Les Bleus could prove far too strong for Türkiye.
Prediction: Türkiye 1 - 4 France
Hungary vs Ukraine
This should be a tight encounter between two well-matched teams. A draw looks the most likely outcome.
Prediction: Hungary 2 - 2 Ukraine
Poland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Poland should have enough quality to edge this contest, although Bosnia and Herzegovina could make them work for the victory.
Prediction: Poland 1 - 0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sweden vs Romania
Sweden should produce a classic 2-0 victory. Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres are both backed to get on the scoresheet.
Prediction: Sweden 2 - 0 Romania
Montenegro vs Cyprus
This could be an even contest, with both teams likely to find the net but neither able to secure all three points.
Prediction: Montenegro 1 - 1 Cyprus
Slovenia vs Scotland
Scotland should narrowly win a competitive fixture. Slovenia are capable of causing problems, but Scotland's overall quality should prove decisive.
Prediction: Slovenia 2 - 3 Scotland
San Marino vs Finland
Finland should have enough quality to take control and secure victory, although San Marino could make things uncomfortable at times.
Prediction: San Marino 1 - 2 Finland
Faroe Islands vs Kazakhstan
The Faroe Islands are backed to claim a narrow victory in what could be a low-scoring encounter.
Prediction: Faroe Islands 1 - 0 Kazakhstan
Bulgaria vs Luxembourg
Bulgaria should have the edge but may have to work hard for the three points in a closely contested game.
Prediction: Bulgaria 2 - 1 Luxembourg
Iceland vs Estonia
There may be very little between these two teams, making a draw the most likely result.
Prediction: Iceland 1 - 1 Estonia
Czechia vs Croatia
Croatia should comfortably win this fixture. Their experience and quality across the pitch should make the difference.
Prediction: Czechia 0 - 3 Croatia
England vs Spain
Arguably the biggest game of Matchday 1, England face Spain in a blockbuster encounter. Spain will look to continue from where they left off at the World Cup, and we expect them to dominate.
Prediction: England 0 - 3 Spain
North Macedonia vs Switzerland
Switzerland should make relatively easy work of North Macedonia and begin their campaign with a convincing victory.
Prediction: North Macedonia 1 - 3 Switzerland
Albania vs Belarus
This should be a low-intensity and closely contested match, with neither team doing enough to separate themselves.
Prediction: Albania 2 - 2 Belarus
Slovakia vs Moldova
Slovakia should have enough attacking quality to win, although Moldova could contribute to a high-scoring contest.
Prediction: Slovakia 3 - 2 Moldova