Cyprus secures Nations League promotion playoff spot

On Thursday, November 12, 2026, the Cyprus national football team secured second place in its Nations League Group C2 following a 1-1 draw against Armenia at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in Yerevan. Debutant Iasonas Pikis scored the opening goal for Cyprus in the 9th minute after an assist from Ioannis Pittas, while the hosts equalized through Garibyan in the 57th minute.

With this result, Cyprus reached 8 points, while group leaders Montenegro defeated Latvia 2-1 to finish with 13 points. Under coach Akis Mantzios, Cyprus successfully advanced to the promotion playoffs for a potential spot in the B-tier of the competition. The squad, which faced personnel challenges including an injury to Andronikos Kakoullis and a suspension for Kostas Pileas, remains focused on the upcoming match against Montenegro on Sunday, November 15, at the Alfamega Stadium, though the outcome of that game will no longer affect the group standings.

The official draw for the promotion playoffs is scheduled for November 20 in Nyon, Switzerland. The actual playoff matches are slated to take place in March 2027.