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Players of a national team contesting an international match with a packed stadium in the background

Rules & refereeingNational teams17 September 2026

September 2026 international break to last three weeks: FIFA calendar changes explained

The first international window of the 2026-27 men's season will run for three weeks across late September and early October, while the traditional October break disappears. National teams will play four matches instead of two, and the calendar is locked in until at least 2030. The shift is driven by the 2026 World Cup, player welfare and reduced travel.

Matt

·5 min read

Jürgen Klopp wearing a cap with the colours of the German flag during the squad announcement press conference.

National teamsBundesliga17 September 2026

Klopp vows to reclaim German flag from 'wrong people' after far-right gains

Jürgen Klopp has called for national pride in Germany to be reclaimed from the "wrong people" in comments widely seen as a criticism of the far-right after the AfD won an election this month. The new Germany coach wants Germans to feel they can celebrate their country without being associated with extremism. His message comes days before his Nations League debut against the Netherlands.

Natilla·4 min read

Ryunosuke Sato wearing the Valencia CF shirt during a LaLiga match at Mestalla.

LaLigaNational teams17 September 2026

Ryunosuke Sato earns Japan senior call-up after strong start at Valencia

Ryunosuke Sato has been named in Japan's senior squad for the first time since joining Valencia. The 19-year-old midfielder will take part in four friendlies between late September and early October. His prominent role at Mestalla in the opening weeks of LaLiga has been rewarded with an immediate return to the national team.

varela·5 min read

Jürgen Klopp wearing a black, red and gold cap with the words One of 83 million at his press conference as new Germany head coach

National teams17 September 2026

Klopp as Germany head coach: 'I won't leave national pride in the wrong hands'

Jürgen Klopp announced his first Germany squad this Thursday, naming 44 players for the opening four matches of the Nations League. The new head coach used the press conference to send a clear message against the rise of the far right in the country and to call for positive patriotism. 'I can be proud to be German while remaining open and diverse,' he said.

Javi

·6 min read

FIFA president Gianni Infantino at an official event with the World Cup trophy inside a football stadium

World CupNational teams17 September 2026

Spain steps up 2030 World Cup work as Gianni Infantino prepares to visit

RFEF president Rafael Louzán has confirmed that FIFA president Gianni Infantino will visit Spain at a key moment for the 2030 World Cup project. The Spanish federation wants to keep all 11 planned venues, with Valencia and Vigo ready to step in after La Coruña and Málaga dropped out. Madrid, Barcelona and the Metropolitano are emerging as decisive stages for the tournament.

Natilla·4 min read

Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his 100th Inter Miami goal with a header during the Campeones Cup final against Cruz Azul.

National teams17 September 2026

Messi scores 100th Inter Miami goal to clinch Campeones Cup title over Cruz Azul

Lionel Messi scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami and led a 2-0 win over Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup final. Casemiro added the second goal at Nu Stadium, where Cristian González's side lifted their first trophy of the season and ended a run of three straight draws.

Javi

·6 min read

Luis de la Fuente holds the World Cup trophy aloft while celebrating with Spain players on the pitch, marking the team's title triumph this summer.

National teams17 September 2026

De la Fuente signs Spain contract extension until 2032 after World Cup win

Luis de la Fuente has agreed a contract extension with Spain that keeps him in charge of the national team until 2032. The 65-year-old, who led La Roja to Euro 2024 glory and the World Cup title this summer, will now oversee Spain's defence of the trophy on home soil in 2030.

Matt

·6 min read

Thomas Tuchel giving instructions from the touchline during the World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina in Atlanta.

National teamsWorld Cup16 September 2026

Tuchel stands by England defensive subs against Argentina but admits wrong timing

Thomas Tuchel has defended his heavily criticised substitutions in the World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, though he accepts he made them too early. The England head coach says Argentina's all-out attacking approach forced his hand as his side struggled to cope after taking the lead. "It's my scar, not your scar," he said in a team documentary.

Natilla·6 min read

Black-and-white photograph of Ronald Koeman and his wife Bartina, who died at 65 after being married for 41 years.

National teams16 September 2026

Bartina Koeman, wife of Ronald Koeman, dies at 65 after cancer battle

Ronald Koeman, former Netherlands head coach, announced on Wednesday that his wife Bartina has died at 65 after a battle with breast cancer. The couple had been married for 41 years, and her health was a key factor in Koeman leaving the Dutch national team after the 2022 World Cup. Koeman led the Netherlands in Qatar, where they were eliminated in the round of 32 by Morocco.

Matt

·5 min read

Esteghlal players celebrate a goal during their AFC Champions League Elite match at the Basra International Stadium in Iraq.

World CupNational teams16 September 2026

Iranian football returns to Asian elite amid war and unresolved league title row

The Persian Gulf League kicked off in mid-August after nearly six months of suspension caused by the war, and this week Esteghlal and Tractor SC returned to continental action in the AFC Champions League Elite. The prolonged stoppage and the vast financial gap with Saudi Arabia are weakening the sport in Iran.

Natilla·7 min read