The 2026 Nations League is set to kick off this Thursday evening, showcasing several prominent European teams in the spotlight over the next two weeks.
As the Netherlands gear up to face long-standing rivals Germany in Amsterdam, teams like Portugal aim to make a strong impression in their League A campaign right from the start.
With a busy Thursday line-up featuring matches across Europe, we’ve highlighted some enticing betting tips for the Nations League.
Thursday, September 24th
BST 19:45 Netherlands vs Germany
Marking the beginning of a new chapter since Xavi’s recent appointment, the former Barcelona coach is eager to kick off his tenure with a success in Amsterdam.
While the Netherlands had a strong performance during the World Cup group stages, their journey ended disappointingly in the knockout round.
After a Round of 32 exit against Morocco on June 30th, Xavi must prioritize shoring up the defense, as the Dutch side has yet to keep a clean sheet in their eight matches this year.
On a positive note, the Netherlands has not lost a competitive match at home since a 2-1 defeat by France in October 2023.
Meanwhile, Germany arrived in North America this summer during good form but faced a shocking early World Cup exit.
They were knocked out in the Round of 32 by Paraguay in a penalty shootout on June 29th and are also starting a new chapter with Jurgen Klopp at the helm.
With high expectations from Klopp, Germany is looking for an immediate response in Amsterdam and aims to improve their defensive solidity, having recorded just one clean sheet in eight matches this year.
Betting Tip: Brian Brobbey Over 0.5 shots on target @ 4/7 1xBet
19:45 Portugal vs Wales
Although Portugal entered the summer labeled as potential dark horses, they struggled to find their rhythm under Roberto Martinez.
After exiting the World Cup in the Round of 16 with a 1-0 loss to the eventual champions, Spain, Portugal now embarks on a fresh era with new manager Jorge Jesus.
Returning to Lisbon with a strong home record, Portugal hasn’t lost a competitive match at home since September 2022.
On the other hand, Wales, who suffered a painful exit in the World Cup qualifiers due to a penalty shootout defeat against Bosnia & Herzegovina, are in search of stability.
Under Craig Bellamy, the Dragons have managed just two wins in their last nine matches and face a tough challenge in Lisbon. After their summer concluded with a 2-1 loss to Romania, Wales finds itself as the underdog in this matchup.
It is notable that they have not won in their last four games, marking their longest winless streak since September 2024.
Having lost to Portugal in the EURO 2016 semi-finals, Wales is considered a prime candidate for relegation in Group A this year.
Betting Tip: Portugal win to nil @ 1/1 BetUS
19:45 Serbia vs Greece
After falling short in the quest for a World Cup spot last year, Serbia is facing a hangover in 2026.
Despite Veljko Paunovic still being in charge, there is immense pressure as they open the Nations League against Greece on Thursday.
Last seen suffering a heavy 5-1 defeat to Mexico in June, Serbia has won only one out of their four matches this year. However, they did wrap up their World Cup qualifiers with a 2-1 victory against Latvia ten months ago, lending some hope as they play at home.
Notably, they have only lost twice at home since September 2023.
As for Greece, despite a stellar Nations League performance two years ago, they have struggled recently, ending June’s matches with a disappointing home defeat against Italy.
With only one win in their last nine games across all competitions, Greece opened their 2026 campaign with a 1-0 loss to Paraguay and have gained a reputation for difficulties in scoring.
They ended their World Cup qualifying campaign with a goalless stalemate against Belarus and have failed to score in four of their last five games.
Additionally, Greece has not secured a victory away from home in the past 18 months and lost to Serbia during their last encounter in November 2014.
Betting Tip: Serbia draw no bet @ 19/20 1xBet
Our Thursday Nations League Accumulator:
- Netherlands vs Germany – Brian Brobbey Over 0.5 shots on target
- Portugal vs Wales – Portugal win to nil
- Serbia vs Greece – Serbia draw no bet
Place a £10 bet on our accumulator with BetUS and win £61.29 if all predictions hold true.
You can also check our betting promotions section for the latest enhanced odds, accumulator bonuses, and more.
Fan Take: This matchweek is significant for both teams and their new managers, as early victories could lay the groundwork for future success or deepen existing frustrations. For soccer fans, these encounters underscore the ongoing evolution in European football and set the tone for what lies ahead in international competitions.
Source: www.soccernews.com
