Cyprus national football team secures Nations League promotion play-offs

The Cyprus national football team, managed by Apostolos Mantzios, secured second place in their Nations League group following a 1-1 draw against Armenia in Yerevan on November 12, 2026. Debutant Iasonas Pikis opened the scoring for Cyprus in the 9th minute, while Garibian equalized for Armenia in the 59th minute. Despite a strong start and a near-miss shot against the post by Malekkidis in the 41st minute, Cyprus struggled to maintain control, ultimately securing the crucial point required to guarantee their position.

Following Montenegro's 2-1 victory over Latvia later that evening, Cyprus finished the group stage in second place with eight points. This result marks a historic achievement for the team, as it is the first time Cyprus has qualified for the promotion play-offs to League B of the Nations League. The team will face an opponent finishing last in a League B group, with the draw scheduled for November 20, 2026, in Nyon, Switzerland.

Cyprus will conclude its group stage fixtures with a final match against Montenegro at the Alphamega Stadium on November 15, 2026. The promotion play-off matches are set to take place in March 2027, with the first leg played at home and the return leg away.