Will Scotland Kick Off Their Nations League Journey in Slovenia?

Scotland's Nations League campaign kicks off away to Slovenia on 26 September 2023, with the team looking to build on past successes in this competitive format. After being relegated from League A due to a playoff defeat against Greece last year, they return to the second tier aiming for promotion and a chance at European glory.

Last updated: 26 September 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The UEFA Nations League has confirmed the fixtures for Scotland's group stage, which includes encounters against Slovenia, Switzerland, and North Macedonia. The Scots will play six matches over a condensed three-month period, concluding with their final group match against Switzerland on 16 November. Scotland's head coach, Steve Clarke, has acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating that the teams in their group are evenly matched and highlighting the importance of this competition in their previous qualification for Euro 2020.

Key takeaways

Scotland's Nations League matches start on 26 September against Slovenia.
The group includes Switzerland and North Macedonia, with promotion and relegation implications.
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke emphasises the competitiveness of the group.

Timeline: how we got here

Scotland's journey to the Nations League has included several pivotal moments:

**2022**: Scotland is relegated from League A after a playoff defeat by Greece.
**2023**: The draw for the Nations League occurs, placing Scotland in a group with Slovenia, Switzerland, and North Macedonia.
**26 September 2023**: Scotland begins its campaign against Slovenia.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Scotland's fixture list for the Nations League has been officially confirmed, with the first match set against Slovenia. This announcement marks a significant step as Scotland returns to competitive action following their previous campaign.

What was already established

Prior to this week's announcement, Scotland had already been aware of their group composition, having drawn Slovenia, Switzerland, and North Macedonia. The team's recent history against these opponents includes a draw against Switzerland at Euro 2024 and previous encounters with Slovenia and North Macedonia during World Cup qualifying.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For fans looking to attend matches, ticket availability and travel arrangements will be crucial considerations. The excitement around the campaign may also lead to increased viewership in households, especially during high-stakes matches.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses, particularly those in hospitality and retail, can expect a spike in activity during match days. Increased tourism and local spending are likely as fans travel to support the national team.

Policy and regulation

Given the involvement of the Scottish Football Association (SFA) in the organisation of these matches, any public health guidelines or regulations in place at the time will affect attendance and operations at match venues.

Numbers that matter

**6**: Total matches Scotland will play in the Nations League group stage.
**1-1**: The scoreline from Scotland's last encounter with Switzerland at Euro 2024.
**2-1**: Scotland's victory over North Macedonia in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.
**3**: The number of teams in Scotland's group this season.
**16 November 2023**: The date of Scotland's final group match against Switzerland.

Definitions and jargon buster

**Nations League**: A biennial international football competition involving national teams from UEFA member associations.
**League A/B/C**: Divisions within the Nations League that determine the level of competition and potential for promotion or relegation.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As Scotland prepares for their first match against Slovenia, focus will be on squad selection, training, and tactics to ensure they start the campaign strongly.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Following the initial matches, Scotland must assess their performance and adjust strategies as necessary to secure a strong position in the group.

Signals to watch

Match results and performance metrics from the first two fixtures will be crucial indicators of Scotland's chances of progressing.
Injury reports and player fitness levels leading up to each match.

Practical guidance

Do

Follow the match schedule to keep updated on Scotland’s performance.
Engage with local businesses during match days to support the economy.
Stay informed about any travel or health guidelines related to attending matches.

Don’t

Don’t overlook the importance of each match in the overall group standings.
Don’t ignore updates from the SFA regarding ticket availability and match regulations.

Checklist

Check match dates and plan for attendance or viewership.
Review local hospitality options for match days.
Stay updated on the squad and coaching strategies as matches progress.
Monitor public health advisories that may impact match attendance.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

Uncertainties regarding player fitness, match outcomes, and potential changes in public health guidelines could impact Scotland's performance and fan attendance. Additionally, the competitive nature of the group means that any team can potentially upset expectations, making it difficult to predict outcomes definitively.

Bottom line

Scotland's Nations League campaign presents both opportunities and challenges as they seek to reclaim their position in a higher league. The upcoming matches are crucial not only for potential promotion but also for building momentum ahead of future international competitions.

FAQs

When does Scotland start their Nations League campaign?

Scotland kicks off their Nations League campaign away to Slovenia on 26 September 2023.

Who are Scotland's opponents in the Nations League?

Scotland's opponents in the Nations League group stage are Slovenia, Switzerland, and North Macedonia.

What are the implications of the Nations League standings?

The group winners are promoted to a higher league, while the bottom teams face relegation, impacting Scotland's future competitions.