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National teams

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Jorge Jesus speaks during a press conference ahead of Portugal's Nations League match against Denmark.

National teams30 September 2026

Jorge Jesus hits back over Cristiano Ronaldo row: "They forced me to talk to him"

Portugal opened their Nations League campaign with two wins, but the focus has been on Cristiano Ronaldo. The forward did not play a single minute against Norway, left the pitch without greeting the travelling fans and dominated the build-up to the match against Denmark. Jorge Jesus denied any conflict and explained that the player already knew he would not feature in either game.

InfoBlaugrana

·6 min read

Fran García, Real Betis left-back, in action during a LaLiga match at the Benito Villamarín stadium.

National teams30 September 2026

Fran García returns to Spain squad three years later after Grimaldo injury

Luis de la Fuente has called up the Real Betis left-back to replace Alejandro Grimaldo, who left the national team camp with muscle discomfort. The Betis defender returns to the senior side almost three years after his only two caps, earned during the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.

varela·5 min read

Spanish referee Jesús Gil Manzano shows a card during an international match

National teams30 September 2026

Jesús Gil Manzano to referee France vs Italy as Zidane makes Stade de France home debut

UEFA has appointed Spanish referee Jesús Gil Manzano to take charge of the France vs Italy clash on Friday. The match marks Zinedine Zidane's first game as France head coach on home soil, at the Stade de France, the stadium where he became a world champion in 1998. Gil Manzano will lead an all-Spanish officiating team.

Javi

·5 min read

Aleksander Ceferin, UEFA president, speaking from a podium during an address to European club representatives in Copenhagen.

Rules & refereeingNational teams30 September 2026

Ceferin launches scathing attack on Infantino: 'The emperor is naked'

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin tore into FIFA counterpart Gianni Infantino during a speech to European clubs in Copenhagen on Tuesday. Ceferin referenced Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale 'The Emperor's New Clothes' as he urged clubs to say "enough" and withdraw their support for the Swiss official over his handling of a plan to bring private investors into the World Cup's commercial…

Natilla·6 min read

Jude Bellingham wearing the England captain's armband during a Nations League match.

National teams30 September 2026

Tuchel backs Bellingham to become future England captain

Jude Bellingham wore the captain's armband for the second time in four days as England beat Czechia in the Nations League. Thomas Tuchel backed the Real Madrid midfielder to become the permanent England skipper one day. The German coach praised his commitment even when coming off the bench.

varela·6 min read

Anthony Gordon celebrates scoring for England with a header during the Nations League match against Czechia

National teams30 September 2026

Gordon and Kane fire England past 10-man Czechia in Nations League

England bounced back from their Wembley defeat to Spain with a commanding Nations League win against Czechia, a match turned on its head by Pavel Sulc's 23rd-minute red card. Anthony Gordon headed the opener early in the second half and Harry Kane added his 87th international goal, while Thomas Tuchel's side kept a first clean sheet in seven matches.

Matt

·5 min read

Lamine Yamal celebrates one of his two goals against Croatia at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán during the Nations League.

National teamsAwards30 September 2026

Lamine Yamal scores twice as Spain thrash Croatia 4-1 in first home game since World Cup triumph

Spain returned home for the first time since winning the World Cup and delivered a 4-1 Nations League victory over Croatia. Lamine Yamal scored twice and set up another goal in a performance that strengthens his Ballon d'Or bid. Nico Williams added the fourth at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.

InfoBlaugrana

·5 min read

Raphinha smiles as he leaves Brisbane Stadium following the friendly between Brazil and Australia.

FC BarcelonaNational teams29 September 2026

Raphinha's reassuring exit from Brisbane eases Barcelona injury fears

Raphinha Dias was substituted at half-time in Brazil's 4-2 friendly win over Australia on Tuesday after feeling discomfort in his right thigh. The FC Barcelona captain had scored from the penalty spot shortly before the break. Images of him leaving the stadium smiling later eased concerns, though the full extent of the issue remains unknown.

Matt

·5 min read

Lamine Yamal celebrates a goal for Spain during the Nations League match against Croatia at the Sánchez Pizjuán stadium in Seville.

National teams29 September 2026

De la Fuente hails Lamine Yamal's magic after Spain's 4-1 win over Croatia

Spain thrashed Croatia 4-1 at the Sánchez Pizjuán with a stellar display from Lamine Yamal, who scored twice and provided an assist. Luis de la Fuente praised the team's collective talent and thanked Seville for the warm welcome and atmosphere during the Nations League group stage match.

InfoBlaugrana

·5 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo looking serious during a Portugal national team training session.

National teams29 September 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo skips Portugal training and sends message on social media after bench role

Cristiano Ronaldo is going through a difficult international break with Portugal. After watching the full win against Norway from the bench, he missed Tuesday's training session and left the stadium early. The Portugal captain responded to the speculation with a social media post.

varela·4 min read