Section
Every National teams story we publish, newest first.
The Republic of Ireland will play Israel in Hungary on Sunday night after a significant majority of the squad voted to fulfil the fixture. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has withdrawn from the camp, saying his principles would not allow him to take part. Irish players will wear black armbands and will skip the pre-match handshake and pennant exchange.
varela·6 min read
Argentina play their first matches without Lionel Messi after the World Cup, before the captain's formal farewell against Benin. Lionel Scaloni's side kicks off a new cycle with several young faces, while the Albiceleste prepares to live without its greatest problem-solver. Messi's absence raises tactical and emotional questions in a dressing room used to relying on his genius to fix any problem.
Javi
·6 min read
The Republic of Ireland will play Israel in the Nations League on Sunday in Debrecen after a significant majority of the squad voted in favour of going ahead with the match. One player left the camp and others expressed reservations over the war in Gaza and boycott calls. Head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson said the group is under enormous pressure.
Natilla·5 min read
England return to Wembley on Saturday to face Spain, the reigning world and European champions, in their opening Nations League fixture. It is the Three Lions' first match since finishing third at the World Cup, with Thomas Tuchel under pressure to show his side can compete with elite opposition. The game also pits Ballon d'Or contenders Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal against each other.
varela·6 min read
French coach Willy Sagnol has stepped down as Georgia head coach following the 0-1 home defeat against Northern Ireland on the opening matchday of the Nations League. The Georgian Football Federation confirmed his resignation on Saturday and thanked him for the emotions of a spell that included qualification for Euro 2024, the country's first major tournament.
varela·4 min read
Kylian Mbappé sparked concern on Friday after scoring against Turkey and immediately pulling up with discomfort in his left knee. The forward is returning to Madrid for tests to determine the extent of a tendon injury. While the diagnosis remains unclear, a growing debate questions whether his recent switch to On boots played a role.
Javi·5 min read
Lamine Yamal has won the World Cup and the European Championship with Spain before turning 20. The Barcelona winger reflects on the final against Argentina, his limitless ambition and why he believes he deserves the Ballon d'Or. His personal story, shaped by his family's sacrifices, gives meaning to a talent that has changed Spanish football.
varela·7 min read
Kylian Mbappé scored the only goal in France's 1-0 win over Turkey, then injured his left knee moments later and had to be withdrawn. Zinedine Zidane, in his first match as France head coach, said the striker will return to Real Madrid for treatment. "No, it's not good. It's not good, unfortunately. We will not take risks," he said.
Javi·5 min read
Italy returned to home soil with the pain of missing the World Cup and opened the Mancini era with a loss. Belgium, led by Mark van Bommel, won 0-2 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome thanks to goals from Mika Godts and Dodi Lukébakio. The local fans booed the team off the pitch.
varela·5 min read
Xavi Hernández started his spell as Netherlands head coach with a 1-1 draw against Germany in the opening round of the Nations League. The game left three injuries and a decisive debut from Ruben van Bommel, who assisted Cody Gakpo's stoppage-time equalizer.
Javi·4 min read