Spain defeated Croatia 2-1 with two goals from Mikel Merino, extending their unbeaten streak and securing a Nations League quarter-final spot. England also advanced after a 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic, featuring a brace from captain Harry Kane, who equalled a national appearance record. Other League B1 results saw Slovenia beat Scotland and Switzerland defeat North Macedonia.
England delivered a stunning 7-0 victory over Croatia, with Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka each scoring twice, while Spain maintained their perfect record in the Nations League with a 3-1 win against the Czech Republic. Both teams showcased dominant performances in their respective matches.
Spain, led by a brace from Lamine Yamal, defeated Croatia 4-1 to extend their unbeaten run and maintain a perfect start in the Nations League. Meanwhile, England secured a 2-0 victory over 10-man Czech Republic with goals from Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane, also continuing their strong performance in the tournament.
Germany secured their first win under new coach Juergen Klopp against Serbia in the Nations League. Portugal continued their strong run despite Cristiano Ronaldo's absence, while the Netherlands staged a comeback draw against Greece. Other results included Wales beating Norway and Ireland drawing with Austria amidst protests.
A round-up of results from the Nations League matches played on Sunday
Israeli forward Saied Abu Farchi was sent off during a UEFA Nations League match against Austria after simulating a gun with the corner flag during his goal celebration, leading to a second yellow card.
Over 160 Irish sports personalities, including Olympians and former professionals, have signed an open letter urging the Ireland national football team to boycott upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel.
Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41, remains confident in his ability to contribute to the Portugal national team under new coach Jorge Jesus, targeting both the UEFA Nations League title and his 1,000th career goal. He addressed his international future post-World Cup, his motivation, and dismissed critics, asserting he is not yet ready to retire.
Czechs beat Slovaks 1-0 to ensure Nations League B survival
Cristiano Ronaldo was provisionally suspended after Portugal's football federation opened urgent disciplinary proceedings over his camp departure following a reported rift with coach Jorge Jesus, despite his subsequent apology.
Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to retire from international football in September, with speculation suggesting his final match will be Portugal's UEFA Nations League fixture against Wales.
"By introducing a structured competition platform ... we aim to ensure consistent access to high-quality matches while addressing logistical and cost-related challenges faced by national teams."
Zinedine Zidane's France were held to a 1-1 draw by Italy in their Nations League match at the Stade de France. Michael Olise opened the scoring for France, but Alessandro Bastoni equalised for Italy. The match also saw France reduced to 10 men late in the game. In another Group A1 fixture, Belgium secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Turkey.
France secured a late 1-0 victory over Belgium in the Nations League thanks to a goal from substitute Michael Olise, marking a winning start for coach Zinedine Zidane. Meanwhile, Italy bounced back from an earlier defeat to thrash Turkey 4-1, with goals from Bastoni, Frattesi, Kayode, and Esposito. Other Nations League results saw Bosnia beat Romania and Sweden overcome Poland.
'It casts a pall on our victory today.
FIFA's proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary for the World Cup highlights the intricate balance of power in global football, where the governing body's authority is often challenged by the significant commercial strength of UEFA, particularly in Europe.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has officially confirmed the departure of national team coach Roberto Martinez and his coaching staff following the expiry of his contract. Martinez had previously announced his intention to leave after Portugal's World Cup Round of 16 defeat to Spain.
Cristiano Ronaldo abruptly left Portugal's training camp in Copenhagen, plunging his international future into doubt, shortly after coach Jorge Jesus acknowledged tensions between them. Ronaldo stated he would reveal the reasons for his departure 'in due course'.
Irish footballers, celebrities and campaigners have urged the FAI to boycott UEFA Nations League matches against Israel, citing the Gaza conflict and alleged breaches of FIFA and UEFA statutes.
Manchester City has reportedly been found guilty of 114 out of 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules, a development that could have significant repercussions for English football. The club denies wrongdoing and plans to appeal, stating the process is ongoing and confidential. This ruling follows a lengthy investigation and raises questions about financial regulation and competitive integrity in the league.
Images from the Nations League final between Portugal and Spain at Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany, on Sunday.
Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo shed tears of joy as they won their second Nations League title on Sunday, insisting that winning trophies with his country beats all club honours.
IMAGES from the UEFA Nations League matches played on Monday.
The UEFA Champions League group stage commenced with contrasting fortunes for debutants Como and Sabah. Italian side Como secured a dominant 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig, celebrating their first-ever qualification in style at their upgraded home stadium. In contrast, Azerbaijani champions Sabah faced a challenging debut, suffering a 4-0 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
FIFA plans to create a $20 billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to manage the World Cup and other events, offering up to 20% stakes to external investors, a move that has drawn fierce criticism from UEFA, who accused the governing body of putting the game's 'soul' up for sale.
FIFA's proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary for the World Cup, offering up to 20% stakes to external investors, aims to democratise global football finance but has been condemned by UEFA as selling the game's "soul."
Spain must continue this improvement in order to beat Croatia in the final in Rotterdam on Sunday, Manchester City midfielder Rodri said.
The United States' bid for a fourth consecutive CONCACAF Nations League title came to a stunning end
European football's governing body, UEFA, announced a moment of silence and a solidarity banner at all Champions League matches this week to support victims of devastating flash floods in Nepal, where the death toll has risen and thousands remain missing.
A round-up of Saturday's action in the UEFA Nations League group stage matches.
Media reports said earlier on Thursday that A22 had entered exploratory talks with UEFA officials to discuss a possible framework for a new competition.
Greece beat England for the first time as striker Vangelis Pavlidis's double earned the visitors a richly-deserved 2-1 victory.
IMAGES from the UEFA Nations League matches played on Sunday.
The four countries were winners of their respective League A groups last year and compete in the mini-tournament in mid-year to decide the 2022-23 title.
Spain take a 36-match unbeaten run into their FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final against France, with Lamine Yamal calling it the biggest match of his career as La Roja chase Italy's all-time record.
Guedes, 22, nutmegged Matthijs de Ligt, exchanged passes with Bernando Silva and then beat goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen with a shot from the edge of the area on the hour for his fourth international goal in 17 appearances.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is campaigning for re-election by positioning himself as the advocate for less wealthy football nations, while UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has ruled out running against him but anticipates an opposition candidate.
England enjoyed a 3-1 victory over Finland thanks to goals from Jack Grealish, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Declan Rice.
Spain were Nations League runners-up two years ago to France and success will come as a major fillip after a disappointing World Cup in Qatar, where they were upset by Morocco in the last-16.
A summary of Saturday's action in the UEFA Nations League.
