UEFA Nations League Tie-Breakers Explained

In the UEFA Nations League, if two or more teams in a group end the group stage with equal points, a series of tie-breaking criteria is applied to determine the standings. Here’s a breakdown of the criteria in order:

1. Points in Head-to-Head Matches: The team with the most points in matches played among the tied teams is ranked higher.
2. Goal Difference in Head-to-Head Matches: If teams remain tied, the goal difference in the head-to-head games among them is considered.
3. Goals Scored in Head-to-Head Matches: If still tied, the team with the most goals scored in those matches is ranked higher.
4. Reapplying Criteria 1-3: If teams are still tied after applying the above criteria, steps 1-3 are reapplied exclusively to the remaining tied teams.

If the teams are still level after reapplying these criteria, the following general group stage criteria are applied:

5. Overall Goal Difference: The team with the better goal difference across all group games is ranked higher.
6. Total Goals Scored: The team with the highest number of goals scored in all group matches takes precedence.
7. Away Goals Scored: If teams are still level, the one with more away goals in all group matches is ranked higher.
8. Total Wins: The team with more wins in all group games is ranked higher.
9. Away Wins: If teams remain tied, the team with the highest number of away wins in all group matches is prioritized.
10. Disciplinary Points: Teams with fewer disciplinary points are ranked higher (1 point for a yellow card, 3 points for a red card from two yellows, 3 for a direct red, and 4 for a yellow card followed by a direct red).
11. Nations League Access List Position: If still tied, teams are ranked according to their position in the Nations League access list.