Regulations of the 2025 UEFA Women's Nations League and 2026 Women's European Qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup

Preamble

The following regulations have been adopted on the basis of Articles 49(2)(c) and 50(1) of the UEFA Statutes.

I - General Provisions

Article 1 Scope of application

1.01 The present regulations govern the rights, duties and responsibilities of all parties participating and involved in the preparation and organisation of the 2025 UEFA Women's Nations League and 2026 Women's European Qualifiers (hereinafter referred to collectively as 'the competition') for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Article 2 Definitions

2.01 In these regulations, the use of the masculine form refers equally to the feminine, and vice versa.

2.02 In the context of these regulations, the following definitions apply:

Association imagery

In relation to any participating association, that association’s (and its team’s) name, nicknames, symbols, emblems, logos, marks, designations and playing attire, including its colours and designs (with or without any references to the shirt manufacturer).

Commercial rights

Any and all commercial rights and opportunities in and in relation to the competition, including media rights, marketing rights and data rights.

Competition area

The technical area as defined in the IFAB Laws of the Game and all areas that are primarily used by players and referees as well as the officials and venue team members during the match, plus the fourth official's position, any seats in the stands used by either team's sporting delegation, the referee review area (RRA) if VAR is used, the players' tunnel, the team and referee dressing rooms, the medical room and the doping control station.

Data rights

The right to compile and exploit statistics and other data in relation to the competition (including its matches).

Doping

The occurrence of one or more of the anti-doping rule violations set out in the UEFA Anti-Doping Regulations.

Football technologies

Any of the technologies that may be used at competition matches in accordance with the IFAB Laws of the Game and in line with UEFA's instructions, e.g. goal-line technology, video assistant refereeing, medical video review system.

Goal-line technology (GLT)

A camera-based tracking system used to support the referee's decision as to whether a goal has been scored.

Host association

The association organising a match.

Host broadcaster (HB)

The media production team (including official broadcast partners) responsible among other things for the multilateral production of the television and media promotion and coverage of the competition (references to 'international media', 'media representatives' and other similar references include host broadcaster within their meaning).

Marketing rights

The right to exploit by any and all means and in any and all media, whether now known or devised in the future, any types of advertising (including electronic and virtual advertising), promotion (including ticket promotions), endorsement, public relations, marketing, merchandising, licensing, franchising, sponsorship, hospitality, concessions, travel and tourism, publishing, retailing, and all other commercial association rights and opportunities that are not media rights, promotional rights or data rights.

Media rights

The right to create, distribute and transmit on a linear and/or on-demand basis for reception at any time including on a live and/or delayed basis anywhere in the world by any and all means and in any and all media, whether now known or devised in the future (including all forms of television, radio, mobile, wireless and internet distribution), digital, audiovisual, visual and/or audio coverage of the competition and all associated and/or related rights, including fixed media, download and interactive rights.

Partner

Any party accepted by UEFA under contract to exercise the commercial rights, and thereby participating directly or indirectly in the financing of the competition.

Venue

The location of the stadium of the match, including the area controlled by the relevant competent authorities but also any relevant surrounding areas.

Video assistant referee (VAR)

A match official who may assist the referee in making a decision using replay footage.

2.03 In the context of these regulations, any phrase introduced by the terms "including", "include", "in particular", "for example" or any similar expression is illustrative and does not limit the sense of the words preceding those terms.

Article 3 Frequency and entries for the competition

3.01 UEFA stages the competition every four years, over two calendar years.

3.02 Every UEFA member association (hereinafter association) may enter its national senior women's team for the competition.

Article 4 Admission criteria and procedure

4.01 To be eligible to participate in the competition, associations must:

1. confirm in writing that they themselves, as well as their players and officials, comply with the IFAB Laws of the Game promulgated by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and agree to respect the statutes (including the principles of fair play as defined therein), regulations, protocols, directives and decisions of UEFA;

2. confirm in writing that they themselves, as well as their players and officials, agree to recognise the jurisdiction of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, as defined in the relevant provisions of the UEFA Statutes and agree that any proceedings before the CAS concerning admission to, participation in or exclusion from the competition will be held in an expedited manner in accordance with the CAS Code of Sports-related Arbitration and with the directions issued by the CAS, including for provisional or super-provisional measures, to the explicit exclusion of any state or other court;

3. fill in the official entry documents (i.e. all documents containing the information deemed necessary by the UEFA administration for ascertaining compliance with the admission criteria), which must reach the UEFA administration within the deadline set by the latter and communicated in due course through a circular letter sent to all associations.

4.02 The UEFA administration decides on admission to the competition. Such decisions are final.

Article 5 Duties of the associations

5.01 On entering the competition, participating associations agree:

1. to play in the competition until their elimination and to field their strongest team throughout the competition;

2. to play all matches under the direction of a head coach who is responsible for the selection, tactics and training of the team squad and who manages the players and technical staff in the dressing room and the technical area before, during and after the match. The head coach must hold a valid UEFA Pro licence or, subject to domestic regulations, must have at least started the UEFA Pro diploma course (registration alone for the required diploma course is not sufficient to meet this criterion), or must hold a valid UEFA A licence if the UEFA Pro licence is not available in the association by which the coach is employed (see UEFA Coaching Convention). The assistant coach assists the head coach in all football matters and must hold at least a valid UEFA A licence or must have at least started the UEFA A diploma course (registration alone for the required diploma course is not sufficient to meet this criterion);

3. to play all matches under the direction of either a female head coach or a female assistant coach who complies with the requirements laid down in Paragraph 5.01 b;

4. to stage and play all matches in the competition in accordance with the present regulations;

5. to comply with all decisions regarding the competition taken by the UEFA Executive Committee, the UEFA administration or any other competent body and communicated appropriately (by UEFA circular letter or by official letter or email);

6. to observe the UEFA Safety and Security Regulations for all matches in the competition;

7. to stage each match in the competition in a stadium meeting the structural criteria of the stadium category required by Paragraph 37.01;

8. to indemnify, defend and hold UEFA, its subsidiaries and any local organising structure and all of their officers, directors, employees, representatives, agents and other auxiliary persons free and harmless against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, actions, fines and expenses (including reasonable legal expenses) of whatsoever kind or nature resulting from, arising out of, or attributable to any non-compliance by the association or any of its players, officials, employees, representatives or agents with these regulations;

9. to adhere to the principles governing the release of players for association teams as laid out in Annexe 1, Article 1bis of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players;

10. to cooperate with UEFA at any time – and in particular at the end of each match – in the collection of items from the game and players' personal items that could be used by UEFA to create a memorabilia collection to illustrate the heritage of the competition, to the exclusion of any commercial use;

11. not to represent UEFA or the competition without UEFA’s prior written approval.

Article 6 Responsibilities of the associations

6.01 The associations are responsible for the behaviour of their players, officials, members, supporters and any person carrying out a function at a match on their behalf.

6.02 Matches must be played in stadiums within the territory of the host association. Exceptionally, matches may be played in the territory of another UEFA member association, if so decided by the relevant UEFA bodies, for instance for reasons of safety or as a result of a disciplinary measure.

6.03 The host association is responsible for safety and security before, during and after the match. The host association may be called to account for incidents of any kind and may be disciplined.

6.04 Minimum medical requirements concerning the provision of facilities, equipment and personnel by the host association are set out in the UEFA Medical Regulations. For the avoidance of doubt, the host association has sole responsibility for the provision and operation of any facilities and equipment required in the above-mentioned regulations.

6.05 Associations are responsible for guaranteeing the application of sustainability principles in their activities throughout the full duration of the competition, in particular in terms of respect for human rights and the environment.

6.06 In the weeks prior to each match, associations must enter the required information into UEFA’s TIME platform.

Article 7 Anti-doping

7.01 Doping is forbidden and is a punishable offence. In case of anti-doping rule violations, UEFA will instigate disciplinary proceedings against the perpetrators and take the appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations and UEFA Anti-Doping Regulations. This may include the imposition of provisional measures.

7.02 UEFA may test any player at any time.

Article 8 Fair play

8.01 All UEFA competition matches must be played in accordance with the principles of fair play as defined in the UEFA Statutes.

8.02 Fair play assessments are conducted at all matches in the competition in accordance with the UEFA Fair Play Regulations, in order to establish association fair play rankings at the end of each season.

Article 9 Insurance

9.01 All persons involved in the competition are responsible for their own insurance cover.

9.02 Unless otherwise communicated in writing by UEFA, associations are responsible for and undertake to conclude all necessary and adequate insurance cover for their delegations, including players and officials, at their own expense.

9.03 The host association must ensure that the owners and/or operators of all official sites, including stadiums, provide fully comprehensive insurance cover, including third-party liability and property damage. If appropriate insurance policies are not provided in due time by the owner and/or operator of an official site, the host association is required to conclude the necessary additional insurance cover at its own cost, failing which it may be concluded by UEFA at the host association’s expense.

9.04 All insurances must cover the full period of the competition, including the preparation and the post-competition phase.

9.05 Claims for damages against UEFA are expressly excluded and anyone involved must hold UEFA harmless from any and all claims for liability arising in relation to the competition. In any case, UEFA may request anyone involved to provide, free of charge, written releases of liability, hold harmless notes, confirmation and/or copies of the policies concerned in one of UEFA’s official languages.

9.06 The host association must perform an assessment of the risks involved in organising and staging matches and conclude – with reputable insurers and at its own cost – all necessary insurance to cover such risks, including third-party liability and spectator accident coverage. The host association is responsible for ensuring that UEFA is included into the policies as a co-insured party.

9.07 The third-party liability policy must include an appropriate guaranteed sum for damage/injury for all occurrences (including bad weather, force majeure and terrorism) to persons, objects, property, and for pure financial economic losses, and it must correspond to the specific circumstances of the associations concerned.

Article 10 Trophy, plaques and medals

10.01 The original UEFA Women’s Nations League trophy, which is used for the official presentation ceremony at the UEFA Women’s Nations League final match (second leg) and at other official events approved by UEFA, remains in UEFA’s keeping and ownership at all times. A full-size replica trophy, the UEFA Women’s Nations League winners trophy, is awarded to the winning association.

10.02 Any association that wins the UEFA Women's Nations League three consecutive times or five times in total receives a special mark of recognition. Once a cycle of three successive wins or five in total has been completed, the association concerned starts a new cycle from zero.

10.03 Replica trophies awarded to winners of the UEFA Women’s Nations League (past and current) must remain within the relevant association’s control at all times and may not leave the association’s country without UEFA’s prior written consent. Associations must not permit a replica trophy to be used in any context where a third party (including their sponsors and other partners) is granted visibility or in any other way which could lead to an association between any third party and the trophy and/or the UEFA Women’s Nations League. Associations must comply with any trophy use guidelines that the UEFA administration may issue from time to time.

10.04 Associations may not, and may not permit any third party to, develop, create, use, sell or distribute any promotional materials or merchandise bearing any representation of the trophy or any replica thereof (including trophy lift images) or use any such representation in a manner that could lead to an association between any third party and the trophy and/or the UEFA Women's Nations League.

10.05 For the UEFA Women’s Nations League finals, the winning team is presented with 50 gold medals, the runner-up with 50 silver medals and the third-placed team with 50 bronze medals.

10.06 Each association that competes in the UEFA Women’s Nations League finals receives a commemorative plaque.

10.07 Special player awards may be presented at the UEFA Women’s Nations League finals (e.g. Player of the Match, Player of the Finals).

Article 11 Intellectual property rights

11.01 UEFA is the exclusive owner of all intellectual property rights of the competition, including any current or future rights in all types of audio and visual material of the competition, names, logos, visual identities, brands, music, mascots, medals, plaques, commemorative items, trophies and certain key elements of the official match ball design. Any use of the aforementioned rights, any imitation and/or variation thereof and any other reference to the competition (such as by associating the name of an association with the date of a match) requires the prior written approval of UEFA and must comply with any conditions imposed by UEFA.

11.02 All rights to the fixture list and match schedule, as well as any data and statistics (including databases in which such data is stored) in relation to the matches of and players’ participation in the competition are the sole and exclusive property of UEFA. No tickets or accreditation may be used by anyone in order to gain access to a stadium for the purposes of collecting or gathering such data, and such activities are expressly prohibited. This prohibition does not apply to the participating associations, subject to any and all such data collected being used solely for the purposes of instructing their team, players and officials and expressly excluding any other exploitation or use whatsoever.

II - Competition System

Article 12 Competition structure

12.01 All matches in the competition are played in conformity with the IFAB Laws of the Game. The half-time interval lasts 15 minutes.

12.02 The competition phases are as follows:

1. The UEFA Women’s Nations League phase, comprising:

   • a league stage;

   • promotion and relegation matches;

   • the UEFA Women's Nations League finals, comprising:

     - two two-legged semi-finals;

     - a two-legged third-place match;

     - a two-legged final.

2. The Women’s European Qualifiers phase, comprising:

   • a league stage;

   • play-offs.

UEFA Women's Nations League Phase

Article 13 Group formation – league stage

13.01 The participating teams are divided into three leagues on the basis of their positions in the 2024 Women’s European Qualifiers overall phase rankings (see Annex C):

1. The 16 teams ranked 1st to 16th enter League A.

2. The 16 teams ranked 17th to 32nd enter League B.

3. The teams ranked 33rd onwards enter League C.

Teams that did not participate in the 2023-25 UEFA European Women’s Championship including UEFA Nations League and European Qualifiers, were disqualified or for any reason withdrew from the competition start in League C at the bottom of the League C rankings.

13.02 The league stage comprises 14 groups divided into the three leagues as follows:

• League A, containing four groups of four teams;

• League B, containing four groups of four teams;

• League C, containing three groups of four teams and three groups of three teams.

13.03 The following principles apply to the league stage draw:

1. The composition of the groups within each league is decided by a draw.

2. The teams in each league are seeded according to the 2024 Women’s European Qualifiers overall phase rankings (see Annex C). Teams that did not participate in the 2023-25 UEFA European Women’s Championship including UEFA Nations League and European Qualifiers, were disqualified or for any reason withdrew from the competition are placed in the last pot of League C.

3. Additional draw conditions may be applied, subject to approval by the UEFA Women's Football Committee.

Article 14 Match system – league stage

14.01 All matches in the league stage are played according to the league system, with each team playing one home match and one away match against each of the other teams in its group. Three points are awarded for a win, one for a draw, and none for a defeat.

14.02 On completion of the league stage, final group standings are compiled based on the number of points obtained by each team in the group.

Article 15 Equality of points – league stage

15.01 If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points on completion of the league stage, the following criteria are applied, in this order, to determine their rankings:

1. higher number of points obtained in the group matches played among the teams in question;

2. superior goal difference from the group matches played among the teams in question;

3. higher number of goals scored in the group matches played among the teams in question;

4. if, after having applied criteria a) to c), teams still have an equal ranking, criteria a) to c) are reapplied exclusively to the group matches between the remaining teams to determine their final rankings. If this procedure does not lead to a decision, criteria e) to k) apply, in the order given, to the two or more teams still equal;

5. superior goal difference in all group matches;

6. higher number of goals scored in all group matches;

7. higher number of away goals scored in all group matches;

8. higher number of wins in all group matches;

9. higher number of away wins in all group matches;

10. lower disciplinary points total based only on yellow and red cards received by players and team officials in all group matches (red card = 3 points, yellow card = 1 point, expulsion for two yellow cards in one match = 3 points);

11. higher position in the 2024 Women’s European Qualifiers overall phase rankings (see Annex C).

Article 16 League rankings

16.01 At the conclusion of the league stage, individual league rankings are established according to the following criteria, in the order in which they are given:

1. position in the group;

2. higher number of points;

3. superior goal difference;

4. higher number of goals scored;

5. higher number of away goals scored;

6. higher number of wins;

7. higher number of away wins;

8. lower disciplinary points total based only on yellow and red cards received by players and team officials (red card = 3 points, yellow card = 1 point, expulsion for two yellow cards in one match = 3 points);

9. higher position in the 2024 Women’s European Qualifiers overall phase rankings (see Annex C).

16.02 To rank the teams in League C, in case League C is composed of different sized groups, the results against the fourth-placed team are not taken into account for the purposes of comparing teams placed first, second and third in their respective group.

16.03 Overall league rankings after the conclusion of the league stage are subsequently established as follows:

1. The 16 League A teams are ranked 1st to 16th according to their league rankings.

2. The 16 League B teams are ranked 17th to 32nd according to their league rankings.

3. The League C teams are ranked 33rd onwards according to their league rankings.

Article 17 Automatic promotion and relegation

17.01 At the conclusion of the league stage, automatic promotion and relegation between the three leagues takes effect for the league stage of the Women's European Qualifiers, as follows:

1. The four group winners in League B and the six group winners in League C are promoted to the next league up.

2. The four fourth-placed teams in Leagues A and B as well as the two lowest-ranked third-placed teams in League B, ranked 27 to 28 in the overall league rankings, are relegated to the next league down.

Article 18 Match system – promotion and relegation matches

18.01 In addition to automatic promotion and relegation, promotion and relegation matches are played as follows:

1. The third-placed teams in each group of League A play against the second-placed teams in each group of League B. The winner of each tie will play in League A for the Women's European Qualifiers phase; the defeated team will play in League B.

2. The two best-ranked third-placed teams of League B, ranked 25 to 26 in the overall league rankings, play against the two best-ranked second-placed teams of League C, ranked 39 to 40 in the overall league rankings. The winner of each tie will play in League B for the Women's European Qualifiers phase; the defeated team will play in League C.

18.02 The promotion and relegation ties are determined by means of a draw. The third-placed teams are seeded for the draw and play their respective second leg matches at home.

18.03 The promotion and relegation matches are played according to the knockout system, with each team playing each opponent twice, once at home and once away. The team that scores the greater aggregate of goals over the two legs wins the tie. Otherwise, the provisions of Article 28 apply.

Article 19 Match system – UEFA Women’s Nations League finals

19.01 At the conclusion of the league stage of the UEFA Women’s Nations League phase, the four League A group winners participate in the UEFA Women’s Nations League finals to determine the UEFA Women’s Nations League winner.

19.02 The finals are played according to the knockout system as two-legged ties, with each team playing each opponent twice, once at home and once away. The team that scores the greater aggregate of goals over the two legs wins the tie. Otherwise, the provisions of Article 28 apply.

19.03 No teams are seeded for the semi-final draw. For each semi-final pairing, the team drawn first plays the first leg of the tie at home.

19.04 The two winners of the semi-finals play against one another in the two-legged final and the defeated teams play for third place in a two-legged tie. A draw between the semi-final pairings will determine which teams play the first match of the final and the first match of the third-place tie at home.

19.05 The winner of the final across the two legs is declared the UEFA Women’s Nations League winner.

Article 20 Overall phase rankings

20.01 The overall league rankings are adjusted based on the promotions and relegations (see Paragraph 17.01 and Paragraph 18.01) in order to establish the overall UEFA Women’s Nations League phase rankings, which will define the starting positions of teams in the Women’s European Qualifiers phase (see Annex C). The order of the teams in the overall phase rankings is based on the overall league rankings, with:

• teams automatically promoted ranked above teams from lower leagues winning promotion and relegation matches;

• teams automatically relegated ranked below teams from higher leagues losing promotion and relegation matches.

Women's European Qualifiers phase

Article 21 Group formation – league stage

21.01 The participating teams are divided into three leagues on the basis of their positions in the overall UEFA Women’s Nations League phase rankings (see Paragraph 20.01 and Annex C):

1. The 16 teams ranked 1st to 16th enter League A.

2. The 16 teams ranked 17th to 32nd enter League B.

3. The teams ranked 33rd onwards enter League C.

21.02 The league stage comprises 14 groups divided into the three leagues as follows:

1. League A, containing four groups of four teams;

2. League B, containing four groups of four teams;

3. League C, containing three groups of four teams and three groups of three teams.

21.03 The following principles apply to the league stage draw:

1. The composition of the groups within each league is decided by draw.

2. The teams in each league are seeded according to the overall UEFA Women’s Nations League phase rankings (see Paragraph 20.01 and Annex C).

3. Teams that played in three-team groups in the UEFA Women’s Nations League phase are drawn into four-team groups in the Women’s European Qualifiers phase whenever possible.

4. Additional draw conditions may be applied, subject to approval by the UEFA Women’s Football Committee.

Article 22 Match system – league stage

22.01 All matches in the league stage are played according to the league system, with each team playing one home match and one away match against each of the other teams in its group. Three points are awarded for a win, one for a draw, and none for a defeat.

22.02 On completion of the league stage, final group standings are compiled based on the number of points obtained by each team in the group.

Article 23 Equality of points – league stage

23.01 If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points on completion of the league stage, the following criteria are applied, in this order, to determine their rankings:

1. higher number of points obtained in the group matches played among the teams in question;

2. superior goal difference from the group matches played among the teams in question;

3. higher number of goals scored in the group matches played among the teams in question;

4. if, after having applied criteria a) to c), teams still have an equal ranking, criteria a) to c) are reapplied exclusively to the group matches between the remaining teams to determine their final rankings. If this procedure does not lead to a decision, criteria e) to k) apply, in the order given, to the two or more teams still equal;

5. superior goal difference in all group matches;

6. higher number of goals scored in all group matches;

7. higher number of away goals scored in all group matches;

8. higher number of wins in all group matches;

9. higher number of away wins in all group matches;

10. lower disciplinary points total based only on yellow and red cards received by players and team officials in all group matches (red card = 3 points, yellow card = 1 point, expulsion for two yellow cards in one match = 3 points);

11. higher position in the overall UEFA Women’s Nations League phase rankings (see Paragraph 20.01 and Annex C).

Article 24 League rankings

24.01 At the conclusion of the league stage, individual league rankings are established according to the following criteria, in the order given:

1. position in the group;

2. higher number of points;

3. superior goal difference;

4. higher number of goals scored;

5. higher number of away goals scored;

6. higher number of wins;

7. higher number of away wins in all group matches;

8. lower disciplinary points total based only on yellow and red cards received by players and team officials (red card = 3 points, yellow card = 1 point, expulsion for two yellow cards in one match = 3 points);

9. higher position in the overall UEFA Women’s Nations League phase rankings (see Paragraph 20.01 and Annex C).

24.02 To rank the teams in League C, in case League C is composed of different sized groups, the results against the fourth-placed team are not taken into account for the purposes of comparing teams placed first, second and third in their respective group.

24.03 Overall league rankings after the conclusion of the league stage are subsequently established as follows:

1. The 16 League A teams are ranked 1st to 16th according to their league rankings.

2. The 16 League B teams are ranked 17th to 32nd according to their league rankings.

3. The League C teams are ranked 33rd onwards according to their league rankings.

Article 25 Automatic promotion and relegation for the next competition edition

25.01 At the conclusion of the league stage, automatic promotion and relegation between the three leagues takes effect for the next edition of the competition as follows:

1. The four group winners in League B and the six group winners in League C are promoted to the next league up.

2. The four fourth-placed teams in Leagues A and B as well as the two lowest-ranked third-placed teams in League B, ranked 27 to 28 in the overall league rankings, are relegated to the next league down.

Article 26 Overall phase rankings

26.01 The overall league rankings (see Paragraph 24.03) are adjusted based on the automatic promotions and relegations (see Paragraph 25.01) in order to establish the overall phase rankings that serve as the access list for the next edition of the competition. The order of the teams in the overall phase rankings is based on the overall league rankings.

Article 27 Qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup

27.01 UEFA has been allocated 11 places in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. One additional team may qualify through FIFA’s intercontinental play-offs.

27.02 At the conclusion of the league stage of the Women's European Qualifiers phase, the four League A group winners qualify directly for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup and two rounds of play-offs are used to determine the other European teams.

27.03 The play-offs are played according to the knockout system, with each team playing its opponent twice, once at home and once away. The team that scores the greater aggregate of goals over the two legs wins the play-off tie. Otherwise, the provisions of Paragraph 28.01 apply.

27.04 Round 1 of the play-offs is played in two paths as follows:

1. Path 1: The four second-placed teams and four third-placed teams of League A play against the six first-placed teams and two best-ranked second-placed teams of League C.

2. Path 2: The four fourth-placed teams of League A and four first-placed teams of League B play against the four second-placed teams and four third-placed teams of League B.

27.05 In round 1 of the play-offs, the ties are determined by means of a draw and the following principles apply:

1. For the path 1 draw, the eight League A teams are seeded and play their second-leg matches at home; for the path 2 draw, the four fourth-placed teams from League A and four first-placed teams from League B are seeded and play their second leg matches at home.

2. Additional draw conditions may be applied, subject to approval by the UEFA Women's Football Committee.

27.06 The winners of the round 1 play-offs qualify for the round 2 play-offs.

27.07 In round 2 of the play-offs, the ties are determined by means of a draw and the following principles apply:

1. The round 1 path 1 ties are seeded for the round 2 draw and the winners of those ties play the round 2 second leg match at home.

2. Additional draw conditions may be applied, subject to approval by the UEFA Women's Football Committee.

27.08 The seven best-ranked round 2 play-off winners according to the 2026 Women’s European Qualifiers overall league rankings qualify directly for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The one remaining round 2 play-off winner qualifies for the FIFA Women’s World Cup intercontinental play-offs.

Article 28 Extra time and penalty shoot-outs

28.01 During the UEFA Women’s Nations League promotion and relegation matches, the UEFA Women’s Nations League finals or the Women’s European Qualifiers play-offs for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, if two teams involved in a tie score the same number of goals over the two legs, two 15-minute periods of extra time are played at the end of the second leg. If the two teams are still equal after extra time, the winner is determined by a penalty shoot-out.

28.02 If extra time is required, there is a five-minute break between the end of normal time and the start of extra time. As a rule, the players remain on the field of play during this five-minute break, at the discretion of the referee.

28.03 Penalties are taken in accordance with the procedure laid down in the IFAB Laws of the Game.

III - Match Scheduling

Article 29 Match dates and fixtures

29.01 All matches are played on the dates listed in the 2025-27 Women's National Team Match Calendar (see Annex A) in accordance with the FIFA Women’s International Match Calendar and Annex 1, Article 1bis of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players. Changes to these dates are not allowed unless so decided by the UEFA administration.

29.02 After each draw, the associations in each group or tie are responsible for agreeing on the fixtures. Fixture list guidelines, according to standard sporting principles, are indicated in Paragraph 29.03. In order to facilitate this process, the UEFA administration provides a provisional fixture list, including the match dates. Associations are subsequently requested to confirm, within a given deadline, the final fixtures for their group or tie. If the associations in a group or tie are unable to reach a unanimous agreement, the UEFA administration takes the final decision.

29.03 The provisional fixture lists are compiled according to the following guidelines.

a.

Matches are played on the following days:

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

FIFA Type I window

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

FIFA Type II window

b.

At least two rest days are provided between each team's matches (i.e. a team that plays on Thursday cannot play again until Sunday at the earliest).

c.

League stages: As much consideration as possible is given to ensuring a fair distribution of weekday and weekend matches and a regular sequence of home and away matches for each team.

d.

League stages: On MD6, teams in the same group play on the same day.

e.

Deviations from these guidelines are possible and additional conditions may be applied, as decided by the UEFA administration.

29.04 Unless not required for reasons of sporting fairness, as decided and communicated by the UEFA administration prior to the respective league stage draw, the last matches (MD6) across all groups in each league must be played on the same day.

Article 30 Stadium announcements and kick-off times

30.01 Stadiums must be announced by the host associations via the designated UEFA online system at least 60 days before the match in question.

30.02 When selecting a stadium, the host association must take into account the length of the journey to be undertaken by the visiting team. In principle, the stadium for a match must be within a 90-minute bus drive from an airport offering multiple scheduled flights every day from/to other European cities outside of the territory where the match is played.

30.03 Any objection by a visiting association regarding a selected stadium must be communicated to the UEFA administration, with the host association in copy, within three working days of the stadium being announced by the host association. The UEFA administration will then take a final decision, either confirming the stadium or requesting that the host association propose another one in accordance with these regulations.

30.04 The host association must fix and enter the kick-off time online at least 30 days before the match in question.

30.05 Unless not required for reasons of sporting fairness, as decided and communicated by the UEFA administration prior to the respective league stage draw, the last matches of all groups in each league must kick off simultaneously on MD6 of the league stage.

30.06 If reasons of sporting fairness do not require the last matches of all groups within each league to kick off simultaneously on MD6 of the league stage, the last matches within each group must kick off simultaneously. If the teams concerned cannot agree on a simultaneous kick-off time, the UEFA administration will take a final decision.

Article 31 Changes to the match venue, match stadium or match schedule

31.01 If any party to the match has any reason to doubt whether a particular match of the competition can take place as scheduled (including but not limited to pitch, facility and infrastructure, safety and security, operational and/or organisational problems and/or weather conditions), they must notify the UEFA administration immediately. If the UEFA administration receives any such notification, or has any reason itself to believe that a match may not be able to be played as scheduled, it decides if any change will be made to the stadium, venue, date and/or kick-off time. Such a decision by the UEFA administration is final. If the venue or stadium is changed, the costs of staging the match(es) concerned are borne by the host association.

31.02 The referee decides if a match which has started must be suspended. This decision is made after consultation with the UEFA match delegate and, when possible, the UEFA administration.

Article 32 Rescheduling of matches

32.01 If it is decided on the day of a match that the match cannot start or cannot be played in full, the full or remaining match time is, as a rule, played the next day, without prejudice to any possible disciplinary measures. For that purpose, the host associations must conclude all the necessary agreements to ensure that the required facilities are available and can be operated.

32.02 If the match cannot be rescheduled for the next day, the UEFA administration fixes a new date, during or as close as possible to the international match calendar window concerned. The rescheduling may entail exceptions to the regular match scheduling pattern.

32.03 As a rule, a rescheduled match is played at the same stadium. If the circumstances require a change of stadium, the UEFA administration must approve the alternative stadium.

32.04 For exceptional circumstances and cases of extreme urgency that may have a significant impact on the running of the competition, and to ensure that a rescheduled match can be completed, if necessary without spectators, the host association must have access to a back-up stadium. For emergency back-up stadiums, exceptions can be made to all regular stadium requirements.

32.05 In all cases, the UEFA administration must approve the stadium and fix the new kick-off time taking account of the teams’ needs wherever possible.

32.06 If an association is responsible for any change to the match stadium or match schedule for all or part of a match, that association bears its own expenses, as well as any additional travel, board and lodging expenses incurred by the other association, the referee team and the match officers, without prejudice to any possible disciplinary measures.

32.07 If the match stadium or match schedule is changed through no fault of either association, each party bears its own expenses related to the original fixture and the rescheduled match or remaining match time.

32.08 In all cases, decisions taken on the basis of this article are without prejudice to any possible disciplinary measures.

Article 33 Completion of suspended matches

33.01 If the referee decides to suspend a match and a decision is taken that the match is to be completed on a different day, the following conditions apply to the restart of the match:

1. If the match is resumed the following day, the match restarts with the same players on the field and the same listed substitutes as at the moment the match was suspended. If a player is unable to restart the match, one of the previously listed substitutes may take their place. This is considered as a substitution. If the team has used all of its substitutions by this point, no change can be made. A listed substitute who is unable to take their place on the bench cannot be replaced.

2. If the match is resumed at a later date, the match sheet may contain the same players who were on the match sheet when the match was suspended, with the exception of players suspended for, substituted or sent off during the suspended match. The players who were in play at the time the match was suspended may not be included on the match sheet as substitutes when the match is resumed.

33.02 Whether the match is resumed the following day or at a later stage, the following principles apply:

1. Any sanctions imposed before the match was suspended remain valid for the remainder of the match.

2. Single yellow cards imposed before the match was suspended are not carried forward to any other matches before the suspended match is completed.

3. Players and team officials sent off during the suspended match cannot be replaced and the number of players in the starting line-up remains as it was when the match was suspended.

4. Players and team officials who were suspended during or in relation to a match played after the suspended match in question can be included on the match sheet.

5. The teams can make only the number of substitutions to which they were still entitled when the match was suspended, using their respective remaining number of stoppages in play.

6. The match must restart where it was suspended (i.e. free-kick, throw-in, goal kick, corner kick, penalty, etc.). If the match was stopped with the ball in play, it is restarted with a dropped ball on the spot where it was suspended.

Article 34 Refusal to play and similar cases

34.01 If an association refuses to play or is responsible for a match (including any penalty shoot-out) not taking place or not being played in full, the UEFA disciplinary bodies declare the match forfeited by the association concerned. Moreover, if the circumstances of the case so justify, the UEFA disciplinary bodies may impose any further disciplinary measures deemed appropriate on the association concerned, including disqualification from the competition.

34.02 The UEFA disciplinary bodies can validate the result as it stood (i.e. abandon the match) at the moment when the match was suspended if the match result was to the detriment of the association responsible for the match being suspended.

34.03 If an association is disqualified during the competition, the results of all of its matches are declared null and void, and the points awarded forfeited.

34.04 If an association that has qualified for the FIFA Women's World Cup does not compete, the UEFA administration may replace it and, if so, decide which association takes its place according to the results achieved by the associations eliminated previously.

34.05 An association that refuses to play or is responsible for a match not taking place or not being played in full may lose all rights to payments from UEFA, depending on the gravity of the circumstances.

34.06 Upon receipt of a reasoned and well-documented request from the aggrieved association(s), the UEFA administration may set an amount of compensation due for financial loss.

IV - Player Registration

Article 35 Player eligibility

35.01 Each association must select players for its national representative team who hold the nationality of its country and who comply with the provisions of Articles 6 to 10 of the Regulations Governing the Application of the FIFA Statutes.

35.02 Each player taking part in the competition must be in possession of a valid passport or identity card of the country for which she is playing, containing a photograph and giving full date of birth (day, month, year). Otherwise, she will not be allowed to take part in the competition. The referee or the UEFA match delegate may ask to see the passports/identity cards of the players listed on the match sheet.

35.03 Players who are 16 years of age by the end of the calendar year when the match is played are eligible to play. The associations are responsible for the strict observation of this provision.

35.04 All players must undergo a medical examination to the extent provided for in the UEFA Medical Regulations.

35.05 The UEFA administration decides on questions of player eligibility. Challenged decisions are dealt with by the UEFA disciplinary bodies.

Article 36 Player lists

36.01 Each association must provide the UEFA administration with a list of 23 players (surnames, first names, clubs and dates of birth) as well as the surnames, first names and dates of birth of the head coach and assistant coach, mentioning their coaching qualifications. At least three of the 23 players listed must be goalkeepers.

36.02 The list of 23 players must be completed online by 24.00CET the day before the match. A signed copy of this list must be handed to the UEFA match delegate at the organisational meeting.

36.03 All official player lists are published by the UEFA administration.

36.04 The associations are responsible for ensuring that the aforementioned provisions concerning player eligibility and lists of players are observed.

V - Stadium Infrastructure

Article 37 Stadiums

37.01 Unless stipulated otherwise in these regulations, all matches of the competition must be played in stadiums that meet the structural criteria defined in the UEFA Stadium Infrastructure Regulations for the following categories:

1. category 2 for the UEFA Women’s Nations League matches up to and including the two-legged third-place matches as well as the Women’s European Qualifiers;

2. category 4 for the UEFA Women’s Nations League two-legged final.

Article 38 Pitches

38.01 The host association must make every reasonable effort to ensure that the pitch is in the best possible condition for play. If the climatic conditions so require, facilities such as pitch heating and a pitch cover must be provided, to ensure that the field of play can be made available in a suitable condition on any match date. The UEFA administration or a third party mandated by UEFA may carry out pitch inspections at any time before and during the competition to check whether the pitch is in a suitable condition to host matches in the competition. Following any initial pitch inspection and recommendation report, the cost of any further inspections or the provision of expert guidance or material by a third party is to be assumed by the association concerned. Associations are requested to cooperate fully with such inspections.

38.02 Any full or partial replacement of a pitch ahead of a match must be communicated to UEFA in advance. UEFA reserves the right to inspect the pitch before approval.

38.03 For natural pitches, the height of the grass may not, in principle, exceed 30mm and the entire playing surface must be cut to the same height. The height of the cut should be the same for both the training sessions and the match. If deemed necessary by the referee or the UEFA match delegate, the host association may be required to reduce the height of the grass for the match and training sessions.

38.04 Associations must respect the pitch cutting guidelines.

38.05 The host association must announce the pitch-watering schedule at the organisational meeting. The pitch must be watered evenly and not only in certain areas. As a general rule, pitch watering must be finished 60 minutes before kick-off. Additional pitch watering may be carried out if so decided by the host association, provided it takes place:

1. between 15 and 10 minutes before kick-off; and/or

2. during half-time for a maximum of 5 minutes.

The referee is entitled to request changes to the pitch-watering schedule.

38.06 Except at half-time, participating associations may not allow any commercial or promotional activities (e.g. commercial or product brands, logos or commercial mascots) to appear on the field of play from the moment the teams are ready to kick off until after the final whistle.

38.07 It is the responsibility of the host association to ensure that the area immediately adjacent to the pitch is safe for players and referees, which includes, but is not limited to, securely installing additional, high-quality, green artificial turf around the field of play temporarily if necessary. Furthermore, should artificial turf need to be temporarily installed for the purpose of creating one or more warm-up areas, for example on top of a running track, this must also be securely installed, high-quality, green artificial turf.

38.08 The recommended minimum distances for the positioning of pitch advertising perimeter boards is shown in Annex D. Any kind of upright advertising must be positioned at least three metres from the boundary lines of the field of play and at least one metre from the goal net, and must be safe for players and referees.

38.09 All goals must be set up securely and in accordance with the IFAB Laws of the Game and UEFA's instructions. No additional structural elements or physical supports may be used inside the net or in its immediate surroundings other than bars fixing the goal net to the ground and goal net stanchions behind and outside the net. Portable goals must not be used.

38.10 Associations must respect the relevant pitch protection maps for both MD-1 training sessions (if applicable) and pre-match warm-ups.

Article 39 Artificial turf

39.01 Matches in the competition may be played on artificial turf in accordance with the UEFA Stadium Infrastructure Regulations and provided that such artificial turf is certified as FIFA Quality Pro.

39.02 The host association is fully responsible for meeting the above requirements and, if necessary, must conclude appropriate agreements with the owner of the artificial turf, in particular those relating to:

1. maintenance work and ongoing improvement measures; and

2. safety and environmental measures as set out in the FIFA Quality Programme for Football Turf – Handbook of Requirements and the FIFA Quality Programme for Football Turf – Handbook of Test Methods.

39.03 The host association must obtain sufficient warranties and/or guarantees relating to the material and the installation of the artificial turf by the owner, manufacturer and installer.

39.04 UEFA cannot be held responsible for any damages to third parties resulting from the use of the artificial turf.

39.05 At the time the stadium is announced to the UEFA administration, the host association must submit a copy of the relevant artificial turf certificate, which must still be valid on the date of the match in question.

Article 40 Floodlights

40.01 Matches may be played in daylight or under floodlights. If played under floodlights, the illuminance must correspond to the requirements set in the UEFA Stadium Infrastructure Regulations.

Article 41 Football technologies

41.01 Certain football technologies may be used, if decided by UEFA, in accordance with the IFAB Laws of the Game and the relevant FIFA Quality Programmes.

41.02 Each association authorises UEFA and UEFA’s suppliers to install the football technologies approved by UEFA for the competition in its stadium. The association and the stadium owner/operator must cooperate with UEFA and its suppliers and provide them with reasonable access to the stadium and stadium facilities at all times for this purpose (including for all purposes relating to the FIFA Quality Programme certifications). The association must not use or move, and must ensure that no third party other than UEFA or its suppliers uses or moves, any of the equipment or cabling installed at its stadium in connection with the approved football technologies.

41.03 Host associations may use pre-installed and certified GLT systems, subject to the visiting team’s consent and UEFA’s approval via the official GLT approval process. The host association remains fully responsible for the operation of the system and bears all the associated costs.

41.04 For the purposes of VAR, during the relevant rounds of the UEFA Women's Nations League and Women's European Qualifiers as set out in Paragraph 64.03, the host association is obliged to contract a broadcast or technical partner to produce a broadcast output of the match, even if the match itself is not televised.

VI - Equipment

Article 42 Applicable regulations

42.01 The UEFA Equipment Regulations apply to all matches in the competition, unless specified otherwise in these regulations, at the following times:

1. during any activities in the stadium the day before the match;

2. at any official training session before the match;

3. during any media activities (in particular for interviews, press conferences and appearances in the mixed zone) before and after the match;

4. on the day of the match, from the team's arrival at the stadium until departure from the stadium.

Article 43 Playing attire approval

43.01 All teams must submit the playing attire approval form online to the UEFA administration for approval by the given deadline.

Article 44 Colours

44.01 For all competition matches, teams must submit the agreed playing attire colours to be worn for each match via the dedicated online tool. The home team has the first choice as to which of its official sets of playing attire registered online it wears for its home matches. The proposed colours will be validated on-site by the referee team.

44.02 In any case, if the referee notices on the spot that the colours of the two teams could lead to confusion, a final decision on the colours is taken in consultation with the UEFA match delegate and the UEFA administration. As a rule, in such cases it is the home team that has to change colours, for practical reasons.

Article 45 Numbers

45.01 Players must be allocated numbers between 1 and 23. If the number 1 is used, it must be worn by a goalkeeper.

45.02 For the two-legged final of the UEFA Women's Nations League, players must be allocated fixed numbers. These numbers must be displayed at chest height on the front of the shirts and the players’ names must be added to the numbers on the back.

Article 46 Badges

46.01 Specific competition phase badges must be worn as follows:

1. UEFA Women's Nations League phase: UEFA Women’s Nations League badge on the free zone of the right shirt sleeve;

2. Women's European Qualifiers phase:

   1. if distributed by FIFA and mandated by UEFA, the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers badge on the free zone of the right shirt sleeve and the Women’s European Qualifiers badge on the left shirt sleeve above the UEFA campaign badge;

   2. otherwise the Women’s European Qualifiers badge on the free zone of the right shirt sleeve.

46.02 The reigning titleholder must wear the titleholder badge (instead of the competition phase badge) on the free zone of the right shirt sleeve.

46.03 The applicable UEFA campaign badge must be worn on the free zone of the left shirt sleeve.

46.04 If UEFA distributes badges for its women’s football promotional campaign in the UEFA Women's Nations League phase, these must be worn on the free zone of the left shirt sleeve above the UEFA campaign badge.

46.05 None of the badges may be used in any other competition, or for any other purpose, including commercial or promotional activities, without UEFA’s prior approval.

Article 47 Other team equipment

47.01 UEFA will provide the associations with captain’s armbands and issue relevant guidelines for their use at matches.

47.02 For the two-legged final of the UEFA Women's Nations League, the special equipment provided for each participating association must be used, to the exclusion of any similar items.

47.03 For the two-legged final of the UEFA Women's Nations League, only the warm-up bibs provided by UEFA may be used during official training sessions, for the pre-match warm-ups held at the stadium and for the warm-up of substitute players during the match.

VII - Ticketing and accreditations

Article 48 Ticketing

48.01 Host associations must make at least 5% of the stadium capacity available exclusively to visiting supporters in an area of the stadium that can be segregated (see Article 19 of the UEFA Safety and Security Regulations) and must ensure that all related services and facilities (e.g. sanitary, catering and first aid) are available and in operation for as long as these spectators have access to the stadium. In addition, visiting associations are entitled to purchase up to 200 top-category tickets (unless otherwise agreed between the two associations in question) for their VIP supporters, sponsors, etc. (see the relevant Articles of the UEFA Stadium Infrastructure Regulations and the UEFA Safety and Security Regulations).

48.02 An adequate number of complimentary and purchase tickets, to be fixed by mutual agreement, must be set aside for the visiting association.

48.03 Visiting associations must, where relevant, sell their tickets by zone in order to facilitate the reallocation of unsold tickets. Visiting associations which have requested an allocation of tickets for the whole or part of the dedicated area that has been made available to them may return any unused tickets to the host association without payment up to seven days prior to the match, unless otherwise agreed by the two associations in writing. After this deadline the visiting association must pay for the whole allocation, irrespective of whether all the tickets have been sold.

48.04 The host association may reallocate tickets returned or not requested by the visiting association provided that all safety and security measures (as mentioned in the UEFA Safety and Security Regulations) are respected and that such tickets are not reallocated to supporters of the visiting association.

48.05 In the event that the host association puts in place a ticketing and media accreditation programme for its matches, it shall ensure that, as a minimum, the ticketing and media accreditation terms and conditions for those matches stipulate that:

1. no person may conduct any promotional or commercial activity at the match stadium without the prior written approval of UEFA;

2. tickets must not be used for any commercial purposes such as for promotion, advertising, use as a prize in a competition/sweepstake, or as part of a hospitality or travel package without the prior written approval of UEFA;

3. all people attending the match acknowledge that use may be made (free of charge) of their voice, image and/or likeness in still images and audio/visual transmissions relating to the match (this acknowledgement is required even if no formal ticketing programme is put in place);

4. no person attending the match may, without UEFA’s prior written approval, collect, record, transmit and/or exploit any sound, image, data, statistics and/or description of the match for any purpose other than for private use.

Article 49 Ticketing with hospitality service

49.01 The official UEFA representatives and at least ten representatives of the visiting association must be provided with complimentary top-category seats (and associated hospitality) in the VIP sector.

49.02 For the second leg of the UEFA Women's Nations League final, UEFA will agree on the ticketing and VIP sector requirements with the host association.

Article 50 Accreditations

50.01 The host association must ensure that the venue data coordinator (VDC) appointed by UEFA to gather live data during the match is provided with:

1. accreditation permitting access to a commentary position (or an equivalent position) with dedicated broadband internet access, which needs to be in place from the morning of the match until 90 minutes after the final whistle; and

2. accreditation permitting access to the referees' dressing room.

VIII - Match Organisation

Article 51 Team arrivals

51.01 Visiting associations must arrange for their teams to arrive in the country of the match stadium no later than 24 hours before kick-off.

Article 52 Training sessions

52.01 The day before each match, pitch conditions permitting, both teams are allowed to train for a maximum of one hour at the match stadium. If holding such training sessions could render the pitch unfit for play the next day, an alternative training ground, approved ad hoc by UEFA, must be made available. Priority is given to the visiting team, so the first training session to be moved is that of the home team. Alternatively, both training sessions may be allowed at the stadium but limited to certain areas of the pitch provided the restrictions on the use of the pitch are communicated in writing to each team.

52.02 In addition to the training session at the match stadium, the visiting team may hold private training sessions at a location to be agreed on with the host association.

52.03 In principle, the stadium’s retractable roof should be in the same position as anticipated for the match, subject to prevailing weather conditions.

52.04 Pitch watering ahead of a visiting team’s official training session at the stadium must be agreed between the two teams.

52.05 The day before the match, pitch conditions permitting, the referee team may train on the pitch on which the match will be played. If such a training session is not possible as a result of pitch conditions or travel times, an alternative facility should be made available.

52.06 If the visiting team and/or referees do not train at the stadium the day before the match for whatever reason (e.g. pitch conditions), they must be permitted to visit the stadium the day before the match.

52.07 If the visiting team requests a cool down after the match, it must be communicated at the organisational meeting and should include all relevant information (e.g. duration, number of players, type of exercises). Such requests are subject to the approval of the host association, and, in some cases, the local authorities.

Article 53 Match equipment

53.01 Balls must comply with the IFAB Laws of the Game as well as with the UEFA Equipment Regulations.

53.02 The host association must provide the visiting team with balls of excellent quality for its training session on the day before the match as well as for warming up before the match. These balls must be of the same type and quality as those used for the match.

53.03 Specific competition phase pitch perimeter boards must be installed at all matches as follows, in line with the rules applicable to its their production, position, installation and visibility communicated by UEFA.

1. UEFA Women’s Nations League phase: UEFA Women’s Nations League centre board

2. Women’s European Qualifiers phase:

   1. if the artwork is distributed by FIFA and mandated by UEFA, a 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers centre board and one Women’s European Qualifiers board situated on each side of the centre board;

   2. otherwise the Women’s European Qualifiers centre board.

53.04 The use of two-sided substitution boards (preferably electronic) is compulsory for all matches. For each match a minimum of two boards must be provided by the host association.

Article 54 Use of clocks and roofs

54.01 Before the match, the UEFA match delegate, in consultation with the referee, decides whether a stadium’s retractable roof will be open or closed during the match. This decision must be announced at the organisational meeting, although it may subsequently be altered at any time prior to kick-off if the weather changes, again in consultation with the referee and the UEFA match delegate.

54.02 If the match starts with the roof closed, it must remain closed until half-time or for the entire match. If the match starts with the roof open, only the referee has the authority to order its closure during the match, subject to any applicable laws issued by a competent state authority. Such a decision may only be taken if the weather seriously deteriorates. If the referee does order the roof to be closed during the match, it must remain closed until half-time or for the entire match.

54.03 Stadium clocks may be used to show the amount of time played or remaining. Additional time in each half should be displayed as additional minutes, not continuously running time (i.e. 45 + x, 90 + y). The same applies in case of extra time (105 + x, 120 + y).

Article 55 Screens and footage of matches

55.01 Simultaneous transmissions, replays and delayed footage of the match being played in the stadium may be transmitted on the stadium's giant screen provided that the host association has obtained all the necessary third-party permission to transmit such footage, including permission from the UEFA match delegate, the host broadcaster producing the live international feed of the match and any relevant local authorities. However, the host association must ensure that replays and delayed footage are shown on the giant screen during the match only when the ball is out of play and/or during the half-time interval, the break before extra time (if any), the half-time interval during extra time (if any) and/or before the start of the penalty shoot-out (if any). Moreover, the host association must ensure that any footage shown on the giant screen under no circumstances includes any images that:

1. may have an impact on the playing of the match;

2. may be reasonably considered as controversial insofar as they are likely to encourage or incite any form of crowd disorder;

3. may display any public disorder, civil disobedience or any commercial and/or offensive material within the crowd or on the pitch;

4. consist of any action or any behaviour that is against the principles of fair play, including any images that are aimed at highlighting, directly or indirectly, any offside offence, foul or potential mistake of a referee;

5. are accompanied by sound.

VAR and GLT replays may not be shown on the giant screens in the stadium, unless UEFA decides otherwise.

Simultaneous transmissions and replays of the match are authorised for press monitors and closed-circuit channels. The results of other matches can be shown on the scoreboard and/or giant screen during the match.

55.02 Simultaneous or delayed transmissions on public screens outside the stadium in which a match is played (e.g. in a stadium of the visiting association or in a public place anywhere) are subject to the terms of Paragraph 69.03 and any guidelines or instructions issued by UEFA.

Article 56 Match protocol

56.01 The UEFA, FIFA, UEFA competition phase and UEFA Respect flags, the country flags of the two participating teams, and any other flag determined by UEFA must be flown horizontally at the stadium at all matches in the competition.

56.02 The countdown to kick-off must comply with the principles set by UEFA. For each match, the specific countdown must be communicated by the host association at the organisational meeting.

56.03 The walk-on music provided by UEFA must be played from when the players emerge from the tunnel until they have lined up, at which point the national anthems of both teams must be played (instrumental versions of no more than 90 seconds each). UEFA's pre-match protocol defines which flags and other items are carried onto the pitch and how these are displayed as part of the line-up ceremony.

56.04 At all matches in the competition, the players are invited to shake hands with their opponents and the referee team after the line-up ceremony as well as after the final whistle, as a gesture of fair play.

IX - Teams and Competition Area

Article 57 Teams at the stadium

57.01 Both teams must be at the stadium at least 75 minutes before kick-off.

Article 58 Match sheet

58.01 Before each match, each team must confirm, using the match sheet, the 23 players in the team and up to 11 team officials, one of whom must be a team doctor. The match sheet must indicate the number and, if applicable, the shirt name that each player will wear during the match.

58.02 The players indicated on the match sheet as forming the starting 11 commence the match, and the goalkeeper and team captain must be identified among these players. All other players listed on the match sheet are designated as substitutes.

58.03 If there are fewer than seven players on either team, the match is cancelled or suspended.

58.04 Each team must have its match sheet submitted by its competent association official at least 75 minutes before kick-off. The match sheets are automatically exchanged no earlier than 75 minutes before kick-off.

Article 59 Player replacements and substitutions

59.01 Up to five of the substitutes listed on each team's match sheet may take part in the match. Additionally, a sixth substitute listed on the match sheet may take part exclusively during extra time. A player who has been substituted may take no further part in the match. Each team may use a maximum of three stoppages in play to make substitutions (one additional stoppage in extra-time can be used). Substitutions made before the start of the match, during half-time, between the end of normal playing time and extra time, and at half-time during extra time do not reduce the number of stoppages in play that can be used.

59.02 After the match sheets have been exchanged, no changes are allowed. Before the match has kicked off, the following exceptions are possible:

1. Any of the players indicated on the match sheet as forming the starting 11 who cannot start the match due to physical incapacity may be replaced by one of the substitutes listed on the match sheet. The replaced player is taken off the match sheet and the team's quota of substitute players is reduced accordingly for the match in question. During the match, five players may still be substituted.

2. Any of the substitutes listed on the match sheet who cannot be fielded due to physical incapacity may not be replaced, which means that the quota of substitute players is reduced accordingly for the match in question.

3. If none of the goalkeepers listed on the match sheet can be fielded due to physical incapacity, they may be replaced by registered goalkeepers not previously listed on the match sheet.

The association concerned must, upon request, provide the UEFA administration with the necessary medical certificates. Any change made to the players indicated on the match sheet as forming the starting 11 after the match sheets have been exchanged without providing due medical evidence is considered as a substitution, and the number of substitutions available to the team during the match is reduced accordingly. The replaced player may take no further part in the match.

Article 60 Competition area

60.01 The 11 team officials and 12 substitute players indicated on the match sheet, i.e. a total of 23 people, are allowed to sit on the team bench. If the team bench provides fewer than 23 seats, the remaining number of seats must be accommodated behind or to the side of each team bench, with access to the dressing rooms. The set-up must be the same for both teams. All the substitutes and the team doctor indicated on the match sheet must be seated on the team bench during the match. One of the medical staff members on the bench (doctor, physiotherapist or masseur) must be female.

60.02 During the match, substitutes are allowed to leave the technical area to warm up in the predefined area confirmed by the referee. In principle, five substitutes per team are allowed to warm up at the same time; however, if space does not permit, the referee may decide to limit the number of substitutes allowed to warm up simultaneously to three per team. The team fitness coach indicated on the match sheet may join the players warming up and is responsible for ensuring that the referee’s instructions are respected.

60.03 Smoking is not allowed in the competition area. This includes the use of electronic cigarettes.

60.04 The use of any electronic communication equipment and/or systems is regulated by the IFAB Laws of the Game and the relevant instructions issued. Under no circumstances may any such systems be used by teams in connection with any kind of refereeing decision or matter.

X - Refereeing

Article 61 Referee team and referee liaison officer

61.01 The General Terms and Conditions for Referees officiating at UEFA Matches apply to the referee teams appointed for the competition.

61.02 The referee team is composed of the referee, two assistant referees, the fourth official, two or more video assistant referees (if appointed) and a reserve assistant referee (if appointed).

61.03 In principle, all members of the referee team should be female.

61.04 The referee team is taken care of by a referee liaison officer, who is an official representative of the host association.

61.05 Directly after the match, the referee validates the official match report.

Article 62 Appointment and replacement of referees

62.01 The Referees Committee appoints a referee for each match. Only referees whose names appear on the official FIFA list of referees are eligible. The rest of the referee team is, in principle, proposed by the association of the referee, in accordance with criteria established by the Referees Committee. The host association may be requested to appoint referees. The decision of the Referees Committee is final.

62.02 The Referees Committee decides on the criteria for the appointment of video assistant referees.

62.03 UEFA arranges for the referee team to arrive on-site the day before the match. If a member of the referee team does not arrive by the evening before the match, the UEFA administration and the teams must be informed immediately. The Referees Committee takes the appropriate decisions, which are final.

62.04 Any referee, assistant referee or video assistant referee who becomes unfit to officiate, or is otherwise incapacitated before or during a match, is replaced by another member of the referee team as follows, in accordance with the IFAB Laws of the Game :

1. The referee is replaced by the fourth official or the video assistant referee if one has been appointed and is available on site, or by an assistant referee.

2. An assistant referee is replaced by the fourth official or by the reserve assistant referee if one has been appointed.

3. A video assistant referee is replaced by the assistant video assistant referee (if certified as video assistant referee) or by the referee if the latter is unfit to referee but able and certified to serve as video assistant referee.

If necessary, the match will take place without video assistant referees and/or without a fourth official.

Article 63 Procedure in case of severe injury to players

63.01 In the event of a suspected concussion, the referee stops the game to allow the injured player to be assessed by the team doctor, in accordance with Law 5 of the IFAB Laws of the Game. In principle, this should take no more than three minutes, unless a serious incident requires the player to be treated on the field of play or immobilised on the field for immediate transfer to hospital (e.g. spinal injury).

63.02 Any player suffering a head injury that requires assessment for potential concussion will only be allowed to continue playing after such an assessment, upon specific confirmation by the team doctor to the referee of the player's fitness to do so.

Article 64 Video assistant refereeing and goal-line technology

64.01 VAR and GLT may be used in accordance with the IFAB Laws of the Game for the purpose of assisting the referee.

64.02 No sources or systems other than the official VAR system may be used by the referee to review replays during the match.

64.03 In principle, VAR may be used in the UEFA Women’s Nations League finals and the Women’s European Qualifiers play-offs. However, UEFA may decide to use VARs in other matches as well, or not to use VARs in certain matches. The decision as to whether VAR should be used for a specific match is at the sole discretion of the referee, and that decision is final. The non-use of VAR for part or all of the match, whether due to the referee's decision or technical failure or unavailability, in no way prejudices the validity of the referee's decisions, which are final in all cases.

64.04 GLT may be used to help the referee determine whether a goal has been scored. The referee's decision is final in all cases.

64.05 In the event of technical failure, matches may take place or continue without the use of GLT. The non-use of GLT for part or all of the match, whether due to the referee's decision or technical failure or unavailability, in no way prejudices the validity of the referee's decisions, which are final in all cases.

XI - Disciplinary Law and Procedures

Article 65 UEFA Disciplinary Regulations

65.01 The provisions of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations apply to all disciplinary offences committed by associations, officials, members or other individuals exercising a function at a match on behalf of an association, unless the present regulations stipulate otherwise.

Article 66 Yellow and red cards

66.01 As a rule, a player or team official sent off by the referee is automatically suspended for the next match in the competition. In the event of a serious offence, the UEFA disciplinary bodies are entitled to augment this punishment, including by extending it to other competitions.

66.02 Players and team officials are suspended for the next competition match after two cautions and any subsequent even-numbered caution (e.g. fourth, sixth).

66.03 In the UEFA Women's Nations League phase:

1. Cautions that have not resulted in a suspension expire on completion of the league stage. They are not carried forward to the promotion and relegation matches, the UEFA Women's Nations League finals or the league stage of the Women's European Qualifiers phase.

2. Cautions that have not resulted in a suspension from the promotion and relegation matches and the UEFA Women's Nations League finals expire at the end of the UEFA Women's Nations League phase. They are not carried forward to the Women's European Qualifiers phase.

3. Pending yellow-card suspensions from the league stage, promotion and relegation matches or the UEFA Women's Nations League finals expire on completion of the UEFA Women's Nations League phase. They are not carried forward to the Women's European Qualifiers phase.

66.04 In the Women's European Qualifiers phase:

1. Cautions that have not resulted in a suspension expire on completion of the league stage. They are not carried forward to the play-offs of the Women's European Qualifiers.

2. Cautions that have not resulted in a suspension from the play-offs for the Women's European Qualifiers expire on completion of the play-offs. They are not carried forward to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.

3. Pending yellow-card suspensions from the Women's European Qualifiers league stage or play-offs expire on completion of the Women's European Qualifiers phase. They are not carried forward to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.

66.05 Cautions that have not resulted in a suspension and pending yellow-card suspensions expire on completion of the competition.

Article 67 Protests and appeals

67.01 Protests and appeals against decisions by the UEFA disciplinary bodies must be lodged and any applicable fee paid in accordance with the relevant provisions of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations.

XII - Financial Provisions

Article 68 Financial rules

68.01 The amounts paid by UEFA are gross amounts. As such they cover any and all taxes, levies and charges.

68.02 The UEFA administration resolves any disputes concerning the settlement of accounts by the participating associations. Such decisions are final.

68.03 In principle, the host association retains its match-related earnings and bears all organisational costs (including any taxes, levies and charges).

68.04 The host association pays for the board and lodging of the referee team, the UEFA match delegate and the UEFA referee observer as well as for their transport within the host association's territory. Their international travel expenses and daily allowances are covered by UEFA.

68.05 Unless agreed otherwise by the associations concerned or stipulated otherwise in these regulations, visiting associations pay for their own travel, board and lodging.

68.06 The UEFA Executive Committee sets the amounts of the performance bonuses for the teams participating in the UEFA Women’s Nations League finals.

XIII - Exploitation of the Commercial Rights

Article 69 Commercial rights

69.01 Participating associations may not use or authorise any third party to use any of the competition trademarks or music or any graphic material or artistic forms developed in connection with the competition in programmes, promotions, publications or advertising or otherwise without the prior written consent of UEFA. In addition, participating associations may not develop, use, register, adopt or create any mark, logo or symbol which refers to the competition or which, in UEFA’s reasonable opinion, is confusingly similar to, is a colourable imitation of, is a derivation of, or unfairly competes with such trademarks, materials or forms.

69.02 UEFA declines all responsibility and liability in the event of any conflict between any agreement entered into by an association and any arrangement entered into by UEFA relating to the exploitation of the commercial rights to the competition.

69.03 The host association of any match is authorised to exploit the commercial rights relating to such matches. In doing so, it must observe any instructions or guidelines issued by UEFA from time to time.

69.04 All agreements and arrangements pertaining to the exploitation of commercial rights in respect of the competition must be presented to the UEFA administration upon request. In addition, the commercial rights to any match in the competition may not be sold unless the sale is documented in a written agreement that provides for the payment of an appropriate fee to the host association. Any such fee forms part of the match receipts and remains with the host association.

69.05 UEFA owns and has the sole right, to the exclusion of the participating associations and any other party, to exploit the data rights and marketing rights to the competition generally or as a collective whole, including, by way of example, the right to nominate sponsors in relation to the competition. No participating association may participate in or allow any third party to use any commercial rights granted by the participating association pursuant to Paragraph 69.03 in any aggregation of such commercial rights in any way that would permit a third party to create an association with the competition generally or as a collective whole. As a result, any grant by a participating association of the relevant commercial rights relating to its matches in the competition must be conditional upon the grantee and other third parties not exploiting the relevant rights in such a manner. By way of example, no participating association may create, or permit a third party to use rights granted by it to create, a website that is promoted as an official or dedicated website of the competition as a whole.

69.06 All associations participating in the competition undertake to take all legal and other measures that UEFA deems appropriate at its sole discretion to prohibit, prevent and stop any unauthorised exploitation of the commercial rights to the competition and to protect the ownership thereof.

69.07 For the purpose of directly or indirectly promoting the competition, in particular within programming produced by or on behalf of UEFA, the host association of any match in the competition must ensure that any third party owning rights to images of such a match grants UEFA the right to use and exploit, and authorise others (including partners) to use and exploit, on a perpetual worldwide basis, by any and all means and in any and all media whether now known or invented in the future, throughout the world, for the full duration of such rights, not less than 15 minutes of audio and/or visual material from this match, free of charge and without payment of any associated clearance costs. For any match where production of a broadcast signal is foreseen, the host association undertakes to provide UEFA, free of charge and at least 60 minutes prior to the kick-off of the match, with access to the transmission details for receiving the broadcast signal at a location of UEFA’s choice. These broadcasts can be recorded by UEFA for purposes envisaged in this paragraph and a copy of such recordings will be made available to the host association upon request. If the signal is unavailable for whatever reason, the host association undertakes to provide UEFA with a recording of the entire match, free of charge, in digital format (or such other format as may be requested by UEFA), to be sent to a destination determined by UEFA within seven days of the relevant match.

69.08 For competition branding purposes, the host association must ensure that the appointed broadcaster in its home territory implements the competition TV graphics package provided by UEFA in accordance with the instructions and guidelines issued by UEFA.

Article 70 Promotional purposes

70.01 UEFA owns and has the sole right, to the exclusion of the participating associations and any other party, to exploit all the promotional rights to the competition.

70.02 On registering for the competition, associations must grant UEFA the right to use and authorise others to use photographic, audiovisual and visual material of their team, players and officials (including their names, relevant statistics, data and images), as well as the association name, logo, emblem, stadium image and team shirt (including references to the kit manufacturers), free of charge and worldwide for the full duration of any rights for (a) the staging and organising of the competition (and future editions of the competition); (b) non-commercial, promotional and/or editorial purposes (including the use of such material in the multilateral production of television and media promotion and coverage of the competition and on/for the UEFA digital services); and/or (c) as reasonably designated by UEFA. Any such use may occur after the competition and may include references to and/or branding of third parties, including sponsors, provided that no direct association will be made by UEFA between individual players or associations and any partner. On request, the associations must supply UEFA free of charge with all appropriate material as well as with the necessary documentation required to allow UEFA to use and exploit such rights in accordance with this paragraph.

70.03 Associations must obtain all necessary third-party rights and consents that are required in order for them to comply with this Chapter XIII and, upon request, must supply UEFA free of charge with the necessary documentation (including any third-party consents) required to allow UEFA to use and exploit its rights under these regulations.

XIV - Media Matters

Article 71 Responsibilities regarding media matters

71.01 Each participating association must appoint a dedicated English-speaking team press officer to coordinate cooperation between the association, UEFA and the media in accordance with these regulations. The team press officer must ensure that the media facilities provided by the association for home matches meet the required competition standards. The team press officer is also responsible for assisting UEFA in compiling editorial features in text or electronic format to help promote the UEFA Women's Nations League and Women's European Qualifiers, and for providing information on team schedules and news. The team press officer must be present at all home and away matches to coordinate all media arrangements, including pre-match and post-match press conferences and interviews. The team press officer must cooperate with the other team's press officer during the preparation and delivery of the match and must ensure that all accreditation requests come from bona fide media representatives.

Article 72 Media activities on the day before the match (MD-1)

72.01 The associations must communicate the times of their MD-1 press conferences and training sessions to UEFA and the opposing team via the TIME platform no later than 12:00 CET MD-6. Associations must work together to coordinate the timing of their MD-1 press conferences and training sessions, so that the media are able to cover the activities of both teams and the relevant media deadlines are respected.

72.02 Each team must open its training session the day before the match to the media for at least 15 minutes. If an association does not hold a full training session the day before the match, alternative arrangements must be made in agreement with UEFA to provide the media with access to a minimum of 15 minutes of the team’s preparation.

72.03 Each team must make its head coach and at least one player available to the media the day before the match. This may take the form of a press conference or individual interview opportunities. Ideally, these media activities will be staged at the match stadium, but they must, in any case, take place in the city where the match is to be played.

Article 73 Matchday media activities

73.01 Pre-match, half-time and post-match interviews can take place with each team at the stadium as follows:

1. Interviews are mandatory with the head coach and player(s) before the match, upon request.

2. Half-time interviews may be conducted with the head coach, the assistant coach or players, subject to their agreement.

3. Post-match super-flash and flash interviews take place immediately after the final whistle in designated areas between the pitch and the dressing rooms. Both teams must make their head coach and at least two key players available if requested.

73.02 Each team must make its head coach available for a post-match press conference at the match stadium. The first press conference must start no later than 20 minutes after the final whistle.

73.03 After the match, a mixed zone where reporters can conduct interviews must be set up for the media on the way from the dressing rooms to the team transport area. This area must be accessible only to coaches, players and representatives of the media. All players from each team who have participated in the match, either in the starting line-up or as substitutes, are obliged to pass through the entire mixed zone. A minimum of two players per team are obliged to conduct interviews at each match. Associations must make every effort to ensure that each active member of the team undertakes this responsibility at least once during the competition.

Article 74 Media access rights

74.01 The following restrictions apply:

1. No media representatives are allowed on the field of play before, during or after the match, with the exception of camera crews and audiovisual rights holders conducting activities approved by both teams including, but not limited to, MD-1, pre- and post-match presentations and interviews.

2. No media representatives may enter the tunnel, with the exception of camera crews and audiovisual rights holders conducting activities approved by both teams.

3. No media representatives may enter a team dressing room prior to the team's arrival, with the exception of camera crews approved by both teams to film the players' shirts and equipment.

4. Subject to the agreement of the team(s) in question, these crews may also film the players inside the dressing room(s).

5. Each audiovisual rights holder may record a brief presentation in a team dressing room, subject to the team's prior agreement.

74.02 A limited number of photographers, camera operators and production staff of the audiovisual rights holders – all equipped with the appropriate pitch-access accreditation – are allowed to work in the area between the boundaries of the field of play and the spectators (see Annex D).

74.03 The team dressing rooms are off limits to media representatives before, during and after the match. However, subject to the teams’ prior agreement, one camera crew of the host broadcaster may enter the dressing rooms to film the players’ shirts and equipment. This filming must be completed before the arrival of the players, at least 90 minutes before kick-off. Any additional dressing room access for media (e.g. for post-match celebrations) must be agreed between the relevant team and UEFA in advance.

74.04 A position in the main stand should be foreseen for a camera crew from each team to conduct technical filming. Generally they should be in a central position or a position agreed by the teams and the local press officer.

XV - Closing Provisions

Article 75 Implementing provisions

75.01 The UEFA administration is entrusted with the operational management of the competition and is therefore entitled to take the decisions and adopt the detailed provisions and guidelines necessary for implementing these regulations .

Article 76 Unforeseen circumstances

76.01 Any matters not provided for in these regulations, such as cases of force majeure, will be decided by the UEFA Emergency Panel or, if not possible due to time constraints, by the UEFA President or, in his absence, by the UEFA General Secretary. Such decisions are final.

Article 77 Non-compliance

77.01 Any breach of these regulations may be penalised by UEFA in accordance with the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations.

Article 78 Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)

78.01 In the event of litigation resulting from or in relation to these regulations, the provisions regarding the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) laid down in the UEFA Statutes apply.

Article 79 Annexes

79.01 All annexes form an integral part of these regulations.

Article 80 Authoritative version

80.01 If there is any discrepancy in the interpretation of the English, French or German versions of these regulations, the English version prevails.

Article 81 Adoption and entry into force

81.01 These regulations were adopted by the UEFA Executive Committee on 24 September 2024 and came into force immediately, with amendments approved on 16 December 2024, which came into force immediately. Further amendments were approved on 29 July 2026, which come into force immediately.

	For the UEFA Executive Committee:
	Aleksander Čeferin President	Theodore Theodoridis General Secretary
	Nyon, 29 July 2026

Annex A - 2025-27 Women’s National Team Match Calendar

Annex B - Competition System

Annex C - 2025 UEFA Women's Nations League and 2026 Women's European Qualifiers - Overall League and Phase Rankings

Annex D - Pitch Organisation

1.	Advertising boards
2.	Technical area
3.	Team benches
4.	Warm-up areas
5.	Pitchside halfway camera
6.	Host broadcaster cameras
7.	Reverse-angle cameras
8.	Additional TV cameras (reserved area of minimum 10x2m)
9.	Remote photo and TV cameras in front of boards
10.	Photographers
Note: Diagram shows standard pitch set-up. All details subject to individual stadium conditions. All pitchside equipment to be positioned so that it does not present any danger to the players, coaches and match officials.