On the road to World Cup 2026, the big national teams aren't wasting any time — the 2025–26 UEFA Nations League is in full swing, Copa América 2024 already provided part of the picture, and more national-team tournaments fill the calendar. Each of these events is not just a competition — it's also a testing ground ahead of the biggest one of all.
The UEFA Nations League has become one of the most important tournaments in European national-team football. In the 2024–25 season, Spain, France, Portugal and the Netherlands reached the Final Four — with Spain winning the prestigious title. This was further proof of Spanish dominance following their Euro 2024 win.
In the 2025–26 season, currently underway, the Nations League also functions as a supplementary route to World Cup 2026 qualification for national teams that haven't secured direct entry. This means every match carries double importance — both in terms of league standing and in terms of the supplementary route. Teams like Italy, the Netherlands, Croatia and others will fight for every point.
Copa América 2024 was held in the United States — the same soil that will host World Cup 2026 — and served as a "dress rehearsal" for CONMEBOL and CONCACAF national teams. Argentina, with Messi, won the title for the second time in a row, further cementing its status as the main favorite to defend its world title.
For the United States, which is hosting the World Cup, Copa América 2024 was a genuine test opportunity. Yes, there were difficulties, but the experience gained in managing the stadiums, the crowds and the logistics of a major international tournament will all serve it in 2026. South American national teams like Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay also came to play matches in the USA and got a close look at the conditions. World Cup 2026 and Copa América are played on the same grounds — a clear advantage for anyone who was already there.
Q: What is the Nations League and how is it connected to the World Cup?
A: The Nations League is a UEFA tournament for European national teams. In addition to the competition itself, it provides qualifying pathways to the World Cup and helps national teams improve their seeding in the draw.
Q: Who won Copa América 2024?
A: Argentina won Copa América 2024, with the title secured in the United States — which will host World Cup 2026.
Q: Is there a Copa América before World Cup 2026?
A: Copa América 2024 has already ended. The next Copa América is expected in 2028 — so World Cup 2026 will be the next big goal for South American national teams.
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