NC Stories – NATIONS CUP

2023 was a groundbreaking year for the Nations Cup, filled with passion, resilience, and unforgettable moments. Across four editions, teams from around the world delivered thrilling matches and showcased the unifying power of football. Let’s take a closer look at the highlights of each tournament.

Nations Cup III: Brazil’s Endurance Pays Off

The third edition brought challenges and chaos as delays pushed the final to a later date. This was the first indoor tournament, featuring 10 teams split into two groups. In the final four, Spain triumphed over Argentina, while Brazil bested Italy in the semifinals. In the rescheduled final, Brazil emerged victorious in an intense match that lasted over an hour, proving their grit and determination.

Nations Cup IV: Russia’s Grand Entrance

he fourth edition welcomed Russia as a new participant and expanded to 12 teams. Spain’s journey was remarkable, as they battled injuries and started their first game with only four players, still managing to finish fourth. The Netherlands impressed by reaching the semifinals but fell in penalties to Italy, who had scrambled to complete their squad just hours before the tournament.

Russia dominated the final, defeating Italy 4-0 to claim their first championship. It was a defining moment for the tournament, marking Russia’s arrival as a powerhouse.

Nations Cup V: Brazil Strikes Again

This edition was marked by an unexpected electric storm that caused a 30-minute delay, but the excitement never faltered. With 16 teams participating, it was the largest Nations Cup yet.

Brazil triumphed once more, defeating France in a dramatic penalty shootout. The French team, newcomers to the tournament, impressed by reaching the final but couldn’t overcome Brazil’s dominance. Colombia claimed third place after an outstanding campaign, while vibrant music and celebrations amplified the electric atmosphere.

Nations Cup VI: European Union’s Unstoppable Run

The sixth edition saw the European Union (EU) dominate the field with unmatched skill and unity. Featuring skilled Nike athletes, they went undefeated throughout the tournament. Their 4-0 victory over Peru in the final was a masterclass in teamwork and precision.

Russia secured third place. The EU’s minimal roster of only two substitutions and their flawless performance solidified their place in Nations Cup history as one of the most dominant teams.

2023 was not just about the champions—it was about the growth of the Nations Cup as a global event. From the chaos of indoor tournaments to the camaraderie on display in every match, the year showcased the resilience and passion of players and fans alike.

The Nations Cup - 2023 Standings

Pos	Team	Last 3	Win %	P	Pts
1	Russia	W L W	53.57	28	51
2	Spain	D W L	50.00	24	41
3	Brazil	L L L	48.00	25	40
4	Italy	L D L	45.83	24	36
5	Colombia	W W L	50.00	20	34
6	Argentina	L W L	39.13	23	33
7	Uruguay	L L W	38.10	21	28
8	France	D W L	53.33	15	27
9	European Union	W W W	87.50	8	22
10	Chile	W L W	29.41	17	17
11	Mexico	D W L	25.00	16	17
12	Peru ➁	W W L	62.50	8	16
13	Nederland	L W L	31.25	16	16
14	Japan	D W L	44.44	9	15
15	Peru	W W L	66.67	6	13
16	Venezuela	D W L	25.00	12	13
17	Australia	D D W	25.00	12	11
18	Turkey	L W L	18.75	16	11
19	Italy ➁	W W L	60.00	5	10
20	United World	D W W	28.57	7	9
21	England	L L L	20.00	10	8
22	Kazakhstan	D L W	40.00	5	7
23	Portugal	D D D	11.11	9	7
24	Germany	W L L	28.57	7	7
25	India	D D L	0.00	5	3
26	Greece	L L L	20.00	5	3
27	South Africa	D L L	0.00	5	1