Nations League
In short
An annual international football competition for men's national teams in Europe. It organises teams into different tiers to ensure competitive matches.
In plain words
European football teams play against each other in groups. The best teams play in higher leagues, while lower-ranked teams play in lower ones. This helps teams gain points and move up or down.
A simple example
If a small nation wins all its matches in League C, it earns promotion to League B for the next season. This allows them to play against stronger opponents.
Why it matters
It provides meaningful matches outside of major tournaments like the World Cup. It also helps smaller nations gain experience by playing teams of a similar level.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse it with the UEFA European Championship, which is a knockout tournament held every four years.