Concacaf Nations League: Complete Guide
What Is the Concacaf Nations League?
The CONCACAF Nations League is a biennial international men’s football tournament organized by CONCACAF for its 41 member national teams across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Launched in 2019–20, it fills the calendar gap between Gold Cups and provides competitive matches year-round. Source 2
Format and Structure
Three-Tier League System
- League A: Top 16 teams, split into four groups of four; group winners advance to finals.
- League B: 16 teams in four groups; top teams earn promotion, bottom teams face relegation.
- League C: 9 teams in three groups; winners promoted to League B.
Promotion, Relegation & Finals
Promotion and relegation occur after each edition, ensuring dynamic competition. League A culminates in a four-team finals tournament to crown the champion.
Upcoming Editions & Schedule
2026–27 Edition
The fifth edition is scheduled to begin in September 2026 and will follow the same three-league format. Source 3
Long-Term Calendar
CONCACAF confirmed the 2028–29 edition will also use the current structure. The competition calendar released for 2026–2030 ensures continuity. Source 6
Where to Follow Results & News
- Official site: concacaf.com/competitions/nations-league
- Live standings & scores: ESPN, MLSsoccer.com
- Social updates: Official Facebook page
FAQ
When does the next Concacaf Nations League start? The fifth edition kicks off in September 2026.
How many teams participate? All 41 CONCACAF member associations compete across three leagues.
Is there promotion and relegation? Yes—teams move between Leagues A, B, and C after every edition.
Where can I find the latest standings? Standings and live scores are available on ESPN and the official CONCACAF site.
What is the prize for winning League A? The four group winners from League A advance to the finals to determine the champion.
Does the tournament affect World Cup qualification? While separate from qualifiers, Nations League results help teams gain competitive form and FIFA ranking points ahead of World Cup cycles.
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