UEFA Nations League Matchday 3 Preview: France vs Italy, Spain vs Czechia & More

UEFA Nations League Matchday 3 is here, with the 2026/27 league phase moving into another decisive round of fixtures from Thursday, October 1 through Saturday, October 3.

The third matchday features several heavyweight League A clashes, including Germany vs Serbia, Greece vs Netherlands, Denmark vs Portugal, Belgium vs Türkiye, France vs Italy, Croatia vs England and Spain vs Czechia. The League B and League C schedules also contain important meetings as teams look to strengthen their positions after two rounds.

UEFA's official schedule lists Matchday 3 across October 1, October 2 and October 3, with most evening fixtures scheduled for 20:45 CET. This preview covers the 24 featured fixtures included below.

UEFA Nations League Matchday 3 Fixtures

Germany vs Serbia: Pressure Builds in Group A2

Germany vs Serbia is one of Thursday's biggest fixtures. Germany opened the campaign with a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands before losing 1-0 to Greece, leaving them with one point after two games.

Serbia have had an even tougher beginning, losing to both Greece and the Netherlands. That makes Thursday's meeting particularly important for the visitors as they attempt to get their first points on the board.

Greece vs Netherlands: A Battle Near the Top

Greece have emerged as one of the early leaders in League A after victories over Serbia and Germany. Their next challenge is a Netherlands team that drew with Germany before defeating Serbia.

The result could have a major impact on the top end of Group A2. Greece enter the match on six points, while the Netherlands have four.

Both teams have already demonstrated their ability to take points from difficult opponents, making this one of the standout fixtures of Matchday 3.

Denmark vs Portugal: Can the Holders Stay Perfect?

Portugal have begun their title defence with victories over Wales and Norway. The reigning champions now travel to face Denmark in Group A4.

Denmark lost their opening fixture against Norway before falling to Portugal in the second round, leaving them without a point. A home result against the holders would therefore dramatically change their position in the group.

Portugal, meanwhile, can strengthen their grip on the group with another positive result.

Wales vs Norway: Two Teams Looking for Momentum

Wales have lost their first two fixtures against Portugal and Denmark, while Norway began with a win over Denmark before losing to Portugal.

The meeting in Wales gives both teams an opportunity to add to their points tally and keep their Group A4 campaign alive.

Republic of Ireland vs Austria

Austria have made a strong start in Group B3, winning both of their opening matches. The Republic of Ireland have split their first two games, losing their opener before collecting three points in their second fixture.

Austria's early momentum makes this a significant test for Ireland, who will be looking to use home advantage to close the gap at the top of the group.

Friday's League A Block: Belgium vs Türkiye

France vs Italy: The Match of Friday Night

France vs Italy is arguably the marquee fixture of Friday's schedule. France have taken six points from their opening two matches, defeating Türkiye and Belgium.

Italy began with a defeat to Belgium but responded with a convincing victory over Türkiye. They now face a France side that has yet to drop a point.

Ukraine vs Northern Ireland: Unbeaten Teams Meet

Ukraine and Northern Ireland both have four points after two matches in Group B2. Ukraine defeated Hungary before drawing with Georgia, while Northern Ireland opened with a win over Georgia before drawing with Hungary.

The teams therefore arrive level on points, making their Friday meeting one of the most evenly poised fixtures outside League A.

Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Sweden

Sweden have been perfect in Group B4, winning their first two matches against Romania and Poland. Bosnia and Herzegovina have also started strongly, drawing with Poland before beating Romania.

Sweden's six points give them an early advantage, but Bosnia and Herzegovina can put pressure on the group leaders with a home victory.

Saturday's Big League A Fixtures

Croatia vs England: Another Huge Group A3 Test

Croatia vs England renews the battle in Group A3 after both nations won one and lost one of their first two matches.

Croatia defeated Czechia in their opening fixture before losing 4-1 to Spain. England began with a 3-2 defeat to Spain but responded with a 2-0 victory over Czechia.

That leaves both sides on three points, while Spain have six. With only four teams in the group, every point becomes increasingly important as the league phase develops.

Spain vs Czechia: Can Spain Stay Perfect?

Spain enter Saturday's meeting with Czechia after winning both of their opening matches. They defeated England 3-2 before producing a 4-1 victory over Croatia.

Czechia, meanwhile, have lost both games, first falling 2-1 to Croatia before suffering a 2-0 defeat against England.

Spain therefore have the opportunity to strengthen their position at the top of Group A3, while Czechia need a result to keep their campaign alive.

Finland vs Albania: Six Points Each

One of the most intriguing League C fixtures arrives in Group C1, where Finland face Albania.

Both teams have won their opening two matches and sit on six points. Finland opened with a 7-0 victory over San Marino before beating Belarus, while Albania defeated Belarus and San Marino.

The winner would take an important step toward controlling the group, while a draw would keep the two sides level at the top.

Switzerland vs Slovenia

Switzerland have also made a perfect start, defeating North Macedonia and Scotland to reach six points in Group B1.

Slovenia have four points after drawing with Scotland and defeating North Macedonia. That makes Saturday's meeting a direct clash between two of the group's early front-runners.

Key Storylines Entering Matchday 3

Spain are perfect in Group A3. The defending world champions have won both matches and scored seven goals across their opening two fixtures.

France lead Group A1 with six points. Their meeting with Italy is one of Friday's biggest games and could alter the group standings.

Portugal have won both Group A4 fixtures. The holders face Denmark next as they attempt to maintain their perfect start.

Greece have six points in Group A2. Their clash with the Netherlands pits the early leaders against a team that has also avoided defeat.

Finland and Albania are both perfect in Group C1. Their Saturday meeting is therefore one of the most important games in League C.

Switzerland are perfect in Group B1. Slovenia are close behind on four points, setting up another important Saturday contest.

UEFA Nations League Matchday 3 Schedule

Matchday 3 begins on Thursday, October 1 before continuing through Friday and Saturday. UEFA lists kick-off times in CET, with selected afternoon and early-evening matches in Leagues C and D.

The 2026/27 Nations League league phase is scheduled to continue through November, with Matchday 4 following immediately from October 4-6. The current edition will eventually lead into the knockout stages and promotion/relegation play-offs.

For the latest results after the fixtures are completed, check back with Review Metrics for the full Nations League Matchday 3 results and individual match coverage.