The new-look three-week international break is here and on Premier League fans will be counting down the days until club football returns, there’s plenty to keep an eye on across Europe.
In 2026/27 League of Nations kicks off this week, with some huge fixtures across the A-League. There are also plenty of intriguing storylines, from new managers taking over to some heavyweight nations coming together early in the competition.
Here, 101 Great Goals are five games that should be firmly on your radar.
Netherlands vs Germany – September 24
The Nations League gets off to a flying start with one of European football’s biggest rivalries as the Netherlands welcome Germany to Amsterdam.
It will also be the first competitive match in charge of both managers, with Jurgen Klopp starting his reign in Germany and Xavi Hernandez taking charge of the Netherlands.
That alone makes this one impossible to ignore, especially when you consider that neither nation has exactly thrived on the pitch in recent years, so there’s plenty of pressure on both sides to claim an early win.
Germany reached the semi-finals of the previous Nations League, while the Netherlands reached the quarter-finals, and both will be looking to get off to a fast start this time around.
Portugal – Wales – 24 September
Portugal begin their title defense against Wales in Lisbon, with Jorge Jesus’ first task since becoming head of the Selecao is to defend their Nations League crown.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains the obvious starter, but Portugal have plenty of attacking talent around them and hope to control proceedings at the Estadio José Alvalade.
Wales, meanwhile, will be hoping to spoil the party and make a statement against the reigning Nations League champions, with Craig Bellamy hoping to return Wales to a major tournament once again.
It’s a tough opening task, but these are exactly the kind of games that can provide a huge boost to a team if they can produce a result.
Italy vs Belgium – September 25
A day later, Italy take on Belgium in what should be another fascinating A-League game.
Italy missed out on the 2026 World Cup, so there is plenty of attention on returning boss Roberto Mancini as he begins his second spell in charge of the Azzurri.
Belgium, meanwhile, are coming off the back of reaching the quarter-finals of the World Cup and will be looking to carry that momentum into the Nations League.
With both sides looking to establish themselves in a new cycle, this looks like an important early test rather than another group stage game.
England vs Spain – September 26
England kick off their Nations League campaign with arguably the most important game of the lot as Spain visit Wembley.
The game will bring together two of Europe’s heavyweight nations and provide England with an immediate test against the reigning world champions.
It also gives Thomas Tuchel’s side a chance to start winning fans over once more, with many questions hanging over the Three Lions’ semi-final capitulation to Argentina in the United States.
There will be no shortage of quality on show either, with the chance to see Real Madrid and Barcelona stars Jude Bellingham and Lamine Yamal go head-to-head, while Trent Alexander-Arnold, Morgan Gibbs-White and Rio Ngumoha will be hoping to impress after being brought into the squad since the World Cup.
Belgium vs France – September 28
And just when the first batch of matches seems to be over, Belgium and France meet in Brussels.
France will begin a new era under Zinédine Zidane, who will take charge of their first competitive game against Turkey at the start of the break, before facing Belgium three days later.
Meanwhile, Belgium could have already faced Italy at this point, meaning their opening Nations League schedule is anything but smooth.
It could be an early indicator of where the two sides stand in the A-League, with two heavyweight teams clashing in what should be another cracking contest.
