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National teams

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Spain national team players celebrate a goal during a UEFA Nations League match.

National teamsRules & refereeing22 September 2026

Nations League 2028-29: new format, three leagues and how the teams will be split

UEFA has informed its member federations about the format that will be used in the 2028-29 Nations League. The final standings from the 2026-27 edition, which begins this week with Spain's camp, will determine the makeup of the new Leagues A, B and C. The quarter-finals and relegation play-offs scheduled for March 2027 will decide where each national team lands.

Natilla·5 min read

Karim Adeyemi celebrates a goal for FC Barcelona during a match this season, wearing the club's home kit.

FC BarcelonaNational teams22 September 2026

Karim Adeyemi joins Germany's first squad after Karl injury and will face Netherlands

Barcelona forward Karim Adeyemi has been called up by Germany for the UEFA Nations League double-header against the Netherlands and Greece. His strong start as a Barça player, with two goals and three assists in seven games, convinced new head coach Jürgen Klopp. The attacker joined the camp earlier than planned after Lennart Karl's fitness issues and will be available for the opening match.

Javi

·5 min read

Irish fans waving Ireland flags in the stands of a football stadium

National teams22 September 2026

More than 160 Irish athletes call for a boycott of Ireland vs Israel in the Nations League

Ireland's national team faces growing pressure from within the sporting world ahead of its Nations League match against Israel. More than 160 athletes have signed an open letter urging the Football Association of Ireland not to play the game. The match is scheduled for Sunday in Hungary.

Matt

·5 min read

Heimir Hallgrimsson, Republic of Ireland manager, watches from the touchline as the Israel FA criticises his recent comments about the upcoming Nations League matches.

National teams22 September 2026

Israel FA accuses Hallgrimsson of 'ignorance, hypocrisy and stupidity'

The Israel Football Association has launched a scathing attack on Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson. The governing body accused the coach of 'ignorance, hypocrisy and stupidity' following remarks made during last week's squad announcement. The row comes just days before the two nations meet twice in the Nations League.

InfoBlaugrana

·6 min read

Design of the commemorative shirt Lionel Messi shared on social media for his final match with the Argentina national team.

National teams21 September 2026

Argentina unveils commemorative shirt for Messi farewell at El Monumental

The Argentine Football Association has already unveiled the special shirt Lionel Messi will wear in his final international match on October 6 at El Monumental in Buenos Aires. The captain will say goodbye to the national team in a friendly against Benin, closing a career of more than twenty years with the Albiceleste.

varela·5 min read

Zinedine Zidane leads his first training session as France head coach on the Michel Platini pitch at Clairefontaine as dozens of journalists look on.

National teams21 September 2026

Zidane takes charge of France in first training session at Clairefontaine

Zinedine Zidane has officially begun his tenure as France head coach. The legendary former player led his first training session at Clairefontaine on Monday to prepare for four Nations League fixtures. Only 12 players took part in the workout, which was attended by more than 100 accredited journalists.

Natilla·4 min read

Roberto Mancini during his first press conference at Coverciano after returning as head coach of the Italian national team

National teams21 September 2026

Mancini returns to Italy: "I feel indebted, I want to win back those who feel betrayed"

Roberto Mancini appeared before the media on Monday at Coverciano in his first press conference since returning as Italy head coach. He acknowledged fan frustration after three consecutive World Cup absences and pledged to lead the Azzurri back to where they belong with dominant football. His new chapter begins on Friday against Belgium in the Nations League.

Matt

·4 min read

Luis de la Fuente looks on during the RFEF press conference after signing his record-breaking contract extension as Spain head coach.

National teams21 September 2026

Luis de la Fuente signs historic Spain contract extension through Euro 2032 after World Cup win

Luis de la Fuente has committed to another six years as Spain head coach after signing a contract extension that runs until the end of Euro 2032. The World Cup winner now holds the longest deal ever agreed for a manager of the Spanish national team.

InfoBlaugrana

·4 min read

Granit Xhaka, captain of the Switzerland national football team, wearing the red Swiss jersey during an international match.

National teamsRules & refereeing21 September 2026

Granit Xhaka Out of Switzerland Squad After Admitting He Faked Covid Vaccination Certificate

The Switzerland captain will miss the upcoming Nations League matches after acknowledging he used fake vaccination documents during the Covid-19 pandemic. The 33-year-old midfielder apologised and said he would cooperate with the authorities. The Swiss Football Association made the decision together with the player.

varela·4 min read

Granit Xhaka wearing the Switzerland national team shirt during an international match

National teamsRules & refereeing21 September 2026

Granit Xhaka under investigation in Switzerland over allegedly forged Covid-19 certificate

Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka is facing an investigation by prosecutors in Lucerne over claims he obtained a forged Covid-19 vaccination certificate in 2022. The Sunderland midfielder, who was playing for Arsenal at the time, has apologised and admitted he made a mistake. He has stepped away from the Swiss national team camp ahead of their upcoming Nations League matches.

Javi

·6 min read