4 matches in 10 days: what Finland can expect in the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League
European brand VivatBet assesses our national team's chances in the latest edition of the prestigious international tournament.
Finland in the Nations League: a look back
Eight years ago, in the tournament's debut edition, Finland found themselves in League C, where they confidently topped Group 2 and earned promotion to League B. That generation of players went on to reach the European Championship three years later, still the biggest achievement in the country's football history.
In the following two Nations League editions, Finland played in League B and consistently finished second in their groups. In the fourth edition, however, the team lost all six group matches and were automatically relegated to League C. Following that setback, the Football Association drew its conclusions. Head coach Markku Kanerva, who had led the team since 2016, lost his job. He was replaced by Denmark's Jacob Friis, who had never previously coached a senior national team.
In the fifth Nations League edition, Finland were drawn into Group 1 alongside Albania, Belarus, and San Marino. Under the competition rules, the group winner is promoted directly to League B. The team finishing second will try to move up through play-offs, while the team finishing last is automatically relegated to League D.
Finland, currently ranked 75th in the FIFA rankings, have the following schedule:
September 26 – away to San Marino (kickoff 19:00)
September 29 – home to Belarus (kickoff 19:00)
October 3 – home to Albania (kickoff 16:00)
October 6 – away to Belarus (kickoff 21:45)
November 12 – away to Albania (kickoff 21:45)
November 15 – home to San Marino (kickoff 19:00)
The September and October fixture list is extremely packed, so squad depth will matter just as much as individual quality.
What you need to know about Finland's opponents
Albania – FIFA rank 67
The group favorites and two-time European Championship participants (2016, 2024). In World Cup qualifying for the North American tournament, Albania lost their semi-final play-off to Poland (1-2).
On May 19, Italian coach Rolando Maran took charge of the team. Under him, the "Reds and Blacks" suffered identical 0-1 defeats in friendlies against Israel and Luxembourg.
Albania's leading players include Burnley forward Armando Broja, along with several Serie A-experienced footballers: Elseid Hysaj, Berat Djimsiti, and Kristjan Asllani.
Belarus – FIFA rank 96
Belarus have traditionally struggled in World Cup and European Championship qualifying campaigns. In the Nations League, the team has never risen above League C.
In recent years, Belarusian players haven't been able to count on home support, since all their "home" matches are played abroad. At the same time, Belarus have an experienced manager in Viktor Goncharenko and are currently on a six-match unbeaten run, including results against Denmark (2-2) and Greece (0-0) during qualifying for the last World Cup.
San Marino – FIFA rank 211
September 5, 2024 was a special day in San Marino's football history. Almost two years ago, the tiny nation recorded its first-ever win in an official UEFA or FIFA match. San Marino edged out Liechtenstein, then went on to finish first in their group and earn promotion to League C.
VivatBet sports betting doesn't offer odds on the winner of Group 1. But the teams' FIFA rankings suggest Albania are the No. 1 contender for promotion to League B, San Marino will likely finish bottom of League C when the tournament ends, and Finland and Belarus will fight it out for the final second-place spot.
According to experts, San Marino are clear underdogs for the opening home match against our team. A leading duo of Albania and Finland will probably emerge after the first round. Jacob Friis's side could then make use of home advantage against Belarus. We can't rule out Finland avoiding defeat at home to Albania in the third round either — though that match is hard to call, since neither team has shown its true level yet this campaign, and their last meeting was almost 25 years ago.
October's football marathon wraps up in Budapest, where Belarus will be formally considered the home side. But playing on a neutral pitch levels the field for both teams. Preliminary estimates suggest Finland could pick up 7 to 10 points from their first four matches.
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