[Watch 2026–27 UEFA Nations League Draw online in the US on Fubo]

UEFA is set to unveil the draw for one of international soccer’s most prestigious tournaments of national teams, officially kick-starting months of high-stakes competition across Europe.

With global powers like England, Spain, Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, and the Netherlands in the mix, the matchups promise elite talent, historic rivalries, and immediate drama from the opening round—making this a must-watch moment fans won’t want to miss.

When will the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League Draw take place?

2026–27 UEFA Nations League Draw will take place this Thursday, February 12. The event is set to start at 12:00 PM (ET).

2026–27 UEFA Nations League Draw: Time by State in the USA

ET: 12:00 AM
CT: 11:00 AM
MT: 10:00 AM
PT: 9:00 AM

How to 2026–27 UEFA Nations League Draw in the USA

You can watch the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League Draw live in the USA on Fubo. Other options are FOX Sports and ViX.

The truth is that both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi each walked away with just a single trophy in 2025: the aforementioned Nations League title for Portugal and the MLS Cup for Inter Miami. Despite the count sitting at one apiece, both championships held immense significance for the veteran superstars.

Messi was the central figure in Inter Miami’s historic first-ever MLS Cup victory. The Herons captain also took home the MLS Golden Boot and the regular-season MVP, becoming the first player in league history to win the award in back-to-back seasons.

While Messi had a prime opportunity to add even more silverware to his trophy case, Inter Miami fell short in the Leagues Cup final. They were shut out 3-0 by the Seattle Sounders, leaving the Argentine with just one title on the year.

On the other side of the globe, the Al Nassr captain led Portugal to their second UEFA Nations League title, defeating Spain on penalties in the final. With this championship, Cristiano Ronaldo snapped the longest trophy drought of his legendary career, having gone four years without a title since winning the 2021 Coppa Italia with Juventus.

The debate over the MLS Conference title

Before hoisting the MLS Cup, Lionel Messi and company dominated New York City FC in a 5-1 rout to claim the Eastern Conference title. This victory sparked a wave of debate among fans and analysts regarding whether the win counts as an official trophy or is simply a ceremonial achievement.

While the conference title is a significant milestone that is etched into the franchise’s history and celebrated with a trophy presentation, Major League Soccer does not categorize it as a major official title. Consequently, the 2025 calendar year officially concludes with both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi walking away with one major trophy apiece.

Ahead of kickoff, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) released behind-the-scenes footage from the final, including a stirring motivational speech by Ronaldo. The clip, shared on YouTube, captures the essence of the team’s preparation and the emotional intensity of the moment. Ronaldo’s leadership was front and center.

“Let’s believe, and this victory is ours,” Ronaldo told his teammates in the locker room, before leading a passionate team chant as they headed toward the pitch. It was the kind of rallying cry you’d expect from one of soccer’s most iconic captains—one who consistently matches his words with action.

The final ended in a 2–2 draw after 120 minutes. Ronaldo scored Portugal’s equalizer and showed impressive work rate, even tracking back on defense before exiting due to a muscle injury. Nuno Mendes emerged as the match-winner, delivering a complete performance: neutralizing Yamal defensively, scoring a goal, and assisting on another. His contributions earned him Man of the Match honors.

What’s next for Cristiano Ronaldo?

Following the win, Ronaldo offered some clarity on his future. With his contract at Al Nassr set to expire on June 30, several FIFA Club World Cup teams had expressed interest. But Ronaldo put the speculation to rest: “Future? Nothing will change. Al Nassr? Yes,” he told reporters after the match. His commitment closes the door on any Club World Cup move this summer.

Al Nassr are already reportedly working on a contract extension for the 40-year-old star, who continues to perform at a high level for both club and country. His influence remains critical to Al Nassr’s ambitions in the Saudi Pro League and continental competition.

Could another major award be next?

The Ballon d’Or—the most prestigious individual honor in soccer—has become the latest flashpoint in the eternal debate between Messi and Ronaldo fans. The award’s official social media accounts recently asked followers who deserves a theoretical “Super Ballon d’Or,” triggering intense discussion across platforms.

While no official confirmation exists that a Super Ballon d’Or will be awarded, the timing of the conversation is no coincidence. With both Ronaldo and Messi adding more silverware to their legendary résumés, fans and pundits alike are once again questioning who truly deserves to be called the greatest of all time.

Whether it’s shared or awarded to just one of them, the possibility of this unique honor serves as a reminder of what soccer fans have been privileged to witness over the last two decades: the greatest rivalry in the history of the sport.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano via X (formerly Twitter), Al Nassr have identified Spanish midfielder Fabián Ruiz as one of are top summer targets. “Fabián Ruiz, among top targets on the list at Al Nassr this summer as club plans to bring in new midfielder. No official proposal so far, he’s a key player for PSG as they want to keep him, and Luis Enrique considers him a crucial part of the team,” Romano reported.

Al Nassr will likely need to present a substantial offer to pry Ruiz away from Paris Saint-Germain. The Spanish midfielder played a pivotal role in PSG’s recent UEFA Champions League triumph and was instrumental in Spain’s run to the UEFA Nations League final. His elevated form has only increased his value, and any potential deal could require a higher bid than Al Nassr originally anticipated.

Reinforcing the squad appears to be a key part of Al Nassr’s long-term plan—not only to keep Cristiano Ronaldo at the highest level of competition but also to keep the five-time Ballon d’Or winner satisfied. The club has been actively seeking marquee talent capable of matching Ronaldo’s pedigree and ambition.

Cristiano Ronaldo commits to Al Nassr

The Portuguese captain officially confirmed his intention to remain with Al Nassr, putting an end to weeks of transfer rumors. With his current contract expiring on June 30, Ronaldo had been linked with several Club World Cup participants. But after lifting another international trophy, he made his future clear: “Future? Nothing will change. Al Nassr? Yes,” he said.

Al Nassr sporting director Fernando Hierro recently stated that the club had entered discussions with Ronaldo regarding a contract extension. However, he admitted that several top clubs were competing to sign the global icon for what could be one final high-profile tournament.

Luis Díaz also on Al Nassr’s radar

As part of Al Nassr’s summer recruitment strategy, the club is reportedly targeting Colombian winger Luis Díaz. The Liverpool standout are seen as a prime candidate to bolster the Saudi side’s attacking options and to complement Ronaldo in the final third.

Romano also reported that Al Nassr plan to present Ronaldo with their long-term vision. “Al Nassr are set to present their plan to Cristiano Ronaldo, hoping to get a new deal sorted,” Romano posted. “The club is preparing changes to get Cristiano’s green light… and sign a new contract to continue at Al Nassr. Luis Díaz, David Hancko, a world-class midfielder, and more targets have been added to the summer shortlist.”

The addition of Fabián Ruiz to that list underscores Al Nassr’s intent to make waves in the transfer market once again—and to surround Ronaldo with elite-level talent capable of contending both domestically and on the international stage.

The moment unfolded as the Spanish players walked the honorary guard of respect to receive their silver medals. Portugal’s players lined up in tradition to applaud their rivals, and brief handshakes are common during this type of soccer post-match exchange. What happened next sparked debate across social media.

As Yamal approached Ronaldo, he appeared to bypass the Portuguese captain without making eye contact. The handshake seemed minimal at best, and Yamal never looked in Ronaldo’s direction. While some suggest it was accidental or the product of a high-pressure moment, the video quickly went viral and ignited speculation and criticism online.

The scrutiny comes on the heels of what many view as a disappointing night for Yamal. Touted as the heir to Spain’s next golden generation, the teenager struggled to influence the match, especially in contrast to the 40-year-old Ronaldo, who played a pivotal role in leading Portugal to another international title in what may be his final major tournament.

Yamal’s difficult night ends in substitution

Yamal, who had impressed throughout the tournament, was quiet in the final. He was largely contained by Nuno Mendes, who not only neutralized the Barcelona winger but also assisted Portugal’s equalizing goal. Fatigued and ineffective, Yamal was eventually substituted by head coach Luis de la Fuente as Spain chased control late in the match.

“He is tired because logically there was little rest,” De la Fuente said postgame. “He had a very hard year. He is 17 years old, and we have to manage his minutes properly. He is one more player in this fantastic national team. We wanted to bring some fresh energy. Yeremy and Baena gave us the control we needed, especially out wide.”

Cristiano Ronaldo defends Yamal amid criticism

While criticism rained down on Yamal from fans and pundits, Cristiano Ronaldo struck a different tone. The Portuguese star defended the young winger, urging patience and offering words of encouragement. “He is going to win many team and individual titles,” Ronaldo said. “He is 17 years old and has a lot of room to grow. He’s a phenomenon. Just leave him alone—he has a long career ahead and will surely win the Nations League many times.”

Ronaldo’s support didn’t stop there. When asked by a journalist whether he would have made the decision to substitute Yamal had he been coaching Spain, Ronaldo stayed above the controversy and praised De la Fuente.

“Your coach is a phenomenon,” Ronaldo said. “He knows better than me. I’m not a coach. He’s already won many titles with Spain. If he made that decision, it was to improve the team. I was also substituted.”

After the match, Morata spoke candidly about the emotional toll of the loss and the uncertainty surrounding his future with the national team. The veteran forward admitted that missing Spain’s next call-up in September, for the start of 2026 World Cup qualifying, is “a possibility.”

“I’m devastated because we all worked so hard to bring another title back to Spain,” Morata told reporters postgame. “I feel bad for my teammates. We gave everything. Of course, I didn’t hit the penalty well—I could’ve done better.”

Morata, who previously lifted the UEFA Euro trophy with Spain, said he accepted the consequences of his miss. “Just like I was lucky enough to lift the Euro, today it’s my turn to go home feeling frustrated. There’s nothing more I can do. You didn’t see me crying on the field, but I was hurting inside,” he added.

How Morata copes and what’s next for him

Speaking about the moment and how he handled the pressure, Morata made it clear that he had to stay composed in front of his family, even as the weight of the miss sank in. The 32-year-old emphasized growth and resilience.

“I didn’t cry—though I wanted to,” Morata said. “But you grow up in life. My kids and my family were in the stands. Just like we won not long ago, today I failed, and it’s another hard moment. But that’s what life is. We learn, we move forward.”

When pressed about his national team future, Morata didn’t rule anything out but hinted that a break—or even retirement from international duty—could be on the table. “Nothing is certain. It depends on many things. Right now, I’m just thinking about what happened today and about my teammates. Maybe tomorrow I’ll think differently. But yes, it’s possible I won’t be there in September,” he said.

Morata grateful for support, praises Lamine Yamal

Morata expressed appreciation for head coach Luis de la Fuente, who publicly defended him after the soccer match. De la Fuente told reporters that he specifically asked Morata to take one of the penalty kicks. “I’m grateful, as always,” Morata responded.

He also took a moment to back Lamine Yamal, who faced some criticism despite an overall strong performance. “For me, it was a high-level match from Lamine and the whole squad,” Morata said. “Things look different after a penalty shootout. We’re lucky to have Lamine playing for Spain.”

The reigning champions of the European and South American confederations are poised to clash in an official contest to compete for the prestigious Finalissima trophy. Following the inaugural edition, where Argentina faced off against Italy, anticipation is building for the highly-anticipated showdown between “La Albiceleste” and Spain, which is expected to take place soon.

However, several factors must be considered before the Finalissima can occur. Scaloni disclosed these considerations in a press conference ahead of Argentina’s matchup against Colombia. He provided insights into the logistics surrounding the game against the Spanish side and suggested a potential date for the eagerly awaited fixture.

“The Finalissima can’t occur this year. If Spain doesn’t have to compete in a playoff, there’s a possibility it could be scheduled for March 2026, though I’m uncertain if March is the optimal time. Ultimately, the decision is out of our hands,” Scaloni stated on Monday as preparations for the clash with Colombia intensify.

Spain vs. Argentina: A historic rivalry

Despite not being widely recognized as rivals in major competitions like the FIFA World Cup or other international tournaments, Spain and Argentina have faced each other 14 times historically. Of these encounters, 13 were friendly matches. The sole official face-off occurred during the 1966 World Cup Group Stage in England, where Argentina edged out Spain with a 2-1 victory.

Out of their total matchups, Argentina has claimed victory five times, while Spain has emerged victorious six times, leaving two matches drawn. Historically, encounters prior to 2010 rarely produced high-scoring results. However, in their two most recent games, we witnessed a surge in goal tallies. The most recent clash in 2018 saw Spain decisively defeat Argentina with a 6-1 scoreline, marking one of the highest-scoring matches between the teams.

The debate around this year’s Ballon d’Or remains wide open, with multiple stars making strong cases. Some back Yamal for his sensational breakout season, while others have thrown names like Ousmane Dembélé, Mohamed Salah, and Raphinha into the conversation based on their individual brilliance and impact across competitions.

Still, Spain’s manager showed no signs of hesitation when he was asked to weigh in. Rather than dodge the question during the post-match press conference, the 63-year-old veteran coach made his choice clear. “I have no doubt,” De la Fuente said, giving his full support to Lamine Yamal as the most deserving candidate for the prestigious award.

Although he didn’t mention Yamal by name initially, the reference was unmistakable. “He’s just won the European Championship. He reached the Nations League final. He won LaLiga and the Copa del Rey with his club. He’s got unbelievable talent,” said De la Fuente, who has overseen Spain’s return to the top tier of international soccer.

De la Fuente went on to offer a more personal reflection on the 17-year-old sensation, who has dazzled fans worldwide with his poise and skill. “In my opinion, he’s the best player and he has earned the right to be the Ballon d’Or winner. Very few players in the world have his kind of talent,” the manager added.

What’s next for Lamine Yamal and Spain?

While De la Fuente was generous in his praise for Yamal, he also made it clear that winning individual honors is only part of the journey. He emphasized that what lies ahead is just as important as what the young star has already accomplished in a record-breaking season.

Closing out his remarks, the coach struck a balance between optimism and caution. “He still has a long road ahead. We need to keep working, stay humble, and support his development. But right now, I think he has everything needed not just to be nominated, but to actually win the Ballon d’Or,” De la Fuente concluded.

Lamine Yamal’s 2024–25 season by the numbers

With the 2024–25 soccer season now officially over, Yamal’s numbers reflect the magnitude of his impact across both club and country. The Barcelona forward featured in 55 matches, scoring 18 goals and providing 25 assists. On international duty, he added another 15 appearances for Spain, netting four times and contributing seven assists to cap off a sensational year.

Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal, never one to shy away from controversy, posted a subtle yet pointed reminder of the past. In the wake of Portugal’s title win, Vidal took to Instagram to resurface a moment when things didn’t go quite so well for Ronaldo’s squad.

In his Instagram Story, Vidal reposted a photo from the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup that showed him celebrating after Chile’s dramatic penalty shootout win over Portugal. The image featured Cristiano Ronaldo in the background and was accompanied by the caption: “Few could beat them on penalties…” The reference was crystal clear—and unmistakably cheeky.

Though it’s unlikely Ronaldo ever sees the post, this is hardly the first time Vidal has used social media to drop fiery, thinly veiled messages. Still, the timing was deliberate. While Portugal celebrated a new title, Vidal reminded fans of a Chilean victory that’s mostly faded from the spotlight.

Chile vs Portugal clash at the 2017 Confederations Cup

The semifinal soccer clash between Chile and Portugal in the 2017 Confederations Cup remains one of the most intense matches of that tournament. Held in Kazan, Russia, the game ended 0–0 after extra time and was decided by penalties. The stakes were high, and the quality of play reflected it, with both teams featuring elite talent on both ends of the pitch.

Chile nearly sealed it late in extra time when Arturo Vidal struck the post and Martín Rodríguez followed up with a shot that rattled the crossbar. Portugal, despite fielding Ronaldo up front, failed to create consistent scoring threats. Their midfield was stifled, and Ronaldo found himself stranded for much of the match.

When it came to penalties, Chile delivered a masterclass. Goalkeeper Claudio Bravo saved all three of Portugal’s attempts—from Quaresma, Moutinho, and Nani—while Vidal, Aránguiz, and Alexis Sánchez converted with clinical precision. The 3–0 shootout result sent Chile to the final and capped one of their golden generation’s signature performances.

That win was historic not just for the result, but for what it represented. It was Chile’s third straight major final following their Copa América titles in 2015 and 2016. And while Portugal have since moved on to new glories—including this 2025 Nations League crown—Vidal’s post served as a reminder that the past still matters, especially when it’s personal.

“He (Lamine Yamal) is going to win many collective and individual titles. He is 17 years old and I repeat, he is a boy with a lot of room for progression. He is a phenomenon, but leave him alone that I ask because he has a very long career and he will surely win the Nations League many times,“ Cristiano Ronaldo said in the post-final game interview.

At just 17, Lamine scored three goals during the tournament, finishing as one of Spain’s top scorers. Still, his contributions go far beyond the stat sheet. His dribbling, pace, and ability to stretch defenses created crucial space for teammates, establishing him as a key piece in Luis de la Fuente’s setup.

Nevertheless, it was not the first time Ronaldo spoke publicly about Lamine. In the lead-up to the final, the Portuguese captain had already urged fans to show patience with the rising star. Yet, criticism soon followed, as many expected him to replicate the impact he had in the semifinal against France, where his brace carried Spain into the title match.

Cristiano Ronaldo backs Luis de la Fuente over Lamine Yamal substitution, cools post-match debate

Although Lamine Yamal entered the 2025 UEFA Nations League final as Spain’s standout talent, he struggled to make an impact across 105 minutes of action. Searching for a spark, head coach Luis de la Fuente decided to replace him with Yeremy Pino, a move that quickly stirred controversy. The debate grew to the point that a reporter asked Cristiano Ronaldo if he would have substituted Yamal had he been managing Spain.

Cristiano, however, chose not to add fuel to the fire. Instead, he offered a measured and respectful response, drawing from his wealth of experience. ”Your coach (Luis de la Fuente) is a phenomenon. He knows better than me, I am not a coach. You have already won 1,000 competitions, this coach has already won several things for Spain… If he makes the decision it is because it was to improve the team. As I was also substituted.”

The Nations League crown marks the 36th career title for the ever-resilient Ronaldo. It’s his first championship since August 2023, when he lifted the Arab Club Champions Cup with Al-Nassr. On the international stage, it’s his third major trophy, following Portugal’s triumphs at Euro 2016 and the inaugural Nations League in 2019. Beyond his personal accolades, the win allows Ronaldo to tighten the gap with Messi in their ongoing battle for the title of the most accomplished player the sport has ever seen.

With this victory, Ronaldo now joins Ángel Di María, Sergio Busquets, and Ryan Giggs—each with 36 major titles. He trails Messi by ten trophies, a number that may seem difficult to reach, but with Ronaldo, nothing is ever out of the question. The pursuit continues.

Lionel Messi lifts 46th trophy

Lionel Messi captured his latest piece of silverware in late 2024, guiding Inter Miami to the Supporters’ Shield title. The victory marked the 46th trophy of his illustrious career, further cementing his status as the most decorated player in soccer history. With this win, Messi widens the gap over other legendary figures such as Dani Alves and Andrés Iniesta.

Most decorated players in soccer history

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 46 titles
2. Dani Alves (Brazil) – 43
3. Andrés Iniesta (Spain) – 38
4. Gerard Piqué (Spain) – 38
5. Maxwell (Brazil) – 37
6. Ángel Di María (Argentina) – 36
7. Sergio Busquets (Spain) – 36
8. Ryan Giggs (Wales) – 36
9. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 36
10. Kenny Dalglish (Scotland) – 35

The rivalry continues on another front

While Messi leads in total trophies, his legendary rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo remains alive—this time in the race to 1,000 career goals. With his latest strike against Spain, Ronaldo reached 938 goals in 1,281 official matches, putting him just 62 goals away from becoming the first professional player to score 1,000 times.

Messi, meanwhile, currently stands at 865 goals. While the Argentine maestro is no longer the relentless scorer he once was, fans around the world still hope he’ll continue adding to his tally in the years ahead. Given his unmatched quality and enduring influence, the race may not be over just yet.