The Greek national team kicks off its campaign in League A of the Nations League against Serbia (9:45 p.m.), in a match that holds particular significance in light of the changes that have been decided for the competition.
The “blue-and-whites” are now in the top division and must prove themselves competitive against Europe’s best national teams, starting with the “Plavi,” with Germany and the Netherlands rounding out the group.
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Greece advanced to League A after finishing second in its League B group and securing a big 3-0 away victory over Scotland in the playoffs, following a 1-0 loss at Karaiskakis Stadium.
At the same time, the Nations League is an important competition in light of the EURO 2028 qualifiers, as the position Ivan Jovanović’s team finishes in could affect their seeding in the draw, while there is also an alternative route to the final tournament through the competition.
The Nations League format in light of upcoming changes
UEFA has implemented significant changes to the structure of the Nations League, which will take effect in the next edition in 2028. There will be three divisions—League A, League B, and League C—with League D being eliminated.
This clearly affects Greece as well, since—due to the reshuffling under the new format—the Greek national team is not only concerned with whether it will finish third or fourth in its group, but also where it will stand in the overall standings compared to the teams that finish in the same position in the other three groups.
In total, 16 teams will compete in League A, divided into four groups of four. The top two teams in each group will advance to the quarterfinals and simultaneously secure their place in League A for the 2028–29 season.
Of the four teams that finish in third place, the two best based on the overall standings will remain directly in League A. The two lowest-ranked third-place teams will advance to the League A/B playoffs.
Similarly, of the four teams that finish last in their groups, the two best will also have a second chance through the playoffs. The two worst fourth-place finishers, on the other hand, will be directly relegated to League B.
On the field, Serbia enters the tournament after failing to qualify for the World Cup, where it finished behind England and Albania. Veliko Paunović remains in charge, despite having come close to resigning last summer.
In the four friendly matches it played in 2026, Serbia celebrated just one victory, against Saudi Arabia, while suffering a heavy 5-1 defeat to Mexico.
A notable absence for the home team is Dušan Vlahović, while Aleksandar Mitrović also remains sidelined, with Luka Jović expected to start. On the other hand, Dušan Tadić has returned to the squad, and Paunović has already noted the positive impact his presence has had on the team’s morale.
On the other hand, Greece finished third in World Cup qualifying, behind Scotland and Denmark, and is looking to put its failure to qualify for the finals behind it.
Ivan Jovanović once again has Michailidis, Saliakas, and Ioannidis at his disposal, while the injured Rota, Hatzidiakos, and Giannoulis, as well as Bakasetas and Kontouris.
In their most recent friendlies, Greece drew 2-2 with Sweden in Stockholm and lost 1-0 to Italy at Pankritio Stadium. It should be noted that during this three-week window, the “blue-and-whites” will play four matches—two away and two at home at Toumba Stadium.
Possible starting lineups:
Serbia (Veliko Paunović): Milinković-Savić, Eraković, Pavlović, Šimić, Kostić, Dragojević, Lukić, Radonjić, Samardžić, Živković, Jović.
Greece (Ivan Jovanović): Tzolakis, Vagiannidis, Mavropanos, Koulierakis, Tsimikas, Kourbelis, Zafeiris, Karetsas, Kostoulas, Tzolis, Pavlidis.
*photo source: KYPE
