European national teams compete in a biannual league to replace friendlies
Migration into Ceuta has escalated tensions, turning a migrant influx into a political flashpoint. Real Madrid players have worn solidarity shirts for Ceuta, with Mbappe, Vinicius and Konate partly rolling up the text before removing their shirts, prompting criticism from some groups and support from others. The dispute reflects broader Spain-EU debates on migration ahead of elections.
Morocco, Spain and Portugal are co-hosts for the 2030 World Cup, with FIFA yet to decide the final venue. Moroccan PM Akhannouch warns against premature promises as tensions run over where the final will be played. Multiple leaders emphasize resolving hosting rights with their allies. The 2030 tournament will mark the competition’s 100th anniversary.
France has launched its new era under coach Zinedine Zidane with a first training camp at Clairefontaine featuring a 12-player group. Mbappé is absent, while Zidane is joined by Bettoni and Barthez as they prepare for Nations League fixtures against Turkey, Belgium, and Italy.
Wales manager Craig Bellamy has reaffirmed his commitment to the national team after Burnley approached him about a return to club management. He has chosen to remain in charge of Wales, saying unfinished business and a goal to lead Wales to Euro 2028 influenced his decision. Wales’ Nations League schedule begins with away games in Portugal and Denmark.
Scotland's new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has named a 28-player squad for Nations League fixtures, with seven uncapped players and several returning stars. McBurnie is recalled by Hull City form, Shankland and McTominay are out due to injuries or health issues, and the squad includes several young talents from across Europe.
Scotland has been searching for a new manager after Steve Clarke stepped down following a World Cup group-stage exit. Roberto Martínez has emerged as a leading candidate, with Benítez and Moyes among potential alternatives. The SFA faces pressure to move quickly to attract top talent and avoid losing out to rivals during a pivotal off-season.
Spain has claimed a 1-0 World Cup final victory, driven by a historically strong defensive record and an extraordinary central midfield performance from Rodri, who dominated passes, tackles, and possessions while Argentina’s Messi pressed. The win follows Spain’s pattern of controlled play and efficient finishing, aligning with their record of conceding only one goal across seven games.
A 47-year-old Manchester official has stepped aside after an illustrious spell officiating 668 professional matches in England and 163 international fixtures, including World Cups and Euros. His final game was Portugal vs Spain in the World Cup last 16. He cites the pressure and scrutiny of elite officiating as the reason for stepping away, with praise from peers and a note of personal sacrifice.
The French Football Federation has announced Zinedine Zidane as the new coach of the France national team. Zidane has not coached since 2021 and signs a four-year contract. He succeeds Didier Deschamps, who has stepped down after the 2026 World Cup. Zidane says he is ready to lead the team to further glory.
Zinedine Zidane has been appointed France's head coach on a four-year deal and will start in August, with staff to be announced in September. He describes the role as a dream and signals continuity with Didier Deschamps while pledging to bring his own approach to the team.
Italy has reappointed Roberto Mancini as men’s national coach and named Claudio Ranieri technical director after a chaotic selection that prompted Paolo Maldini and adviser Leonardo to resign. Mancini will lead a team still reeling from a third consecutive World Cup failure and will begin with Nations League fixtures in September.
Celtic has moved ahead in their Champions League play-off after a 3-0 first leg in Glasgow, with Nygren and Durán scoring and Duran adding a third. LASK created chances; Celtic are in a strong position for the return leg in Linz.
The SPFL has launched a new live domestic streaming service, SPFL Player, allowing fans to watch William Hill Championship, League 1 and 2 matches outside blocked hours on a pay-per-view basis. Subscriptions and single-match passes are available, with revenue returning to clubs. The rollout begins with all League 1 and 2 matches on 15 August and will extend to eligible Championship games later.
Scotland has named Sebastien Pocognoli as its new head coach, succeeding Steve Clarke. Pocognoli, a 39-year-old former Belgium international, has led Union Saint-Gilloise to a Belgian title and most recently managed Monaco. His appointment signals a shift to a front-foot, high-press style and aims to build on Clarke’s foundations.
France has appointed Zidane’s backroom staff and unveiled a plan for the national team’s next cycle, with Barthez returning in a national role and Bettoni as assistant. Zidane will lead France starting with a Nations League away to Turkey on Sept. 25.
The former Belgium international has been named Scotland’s head coach, taking over from Steve Clarke. Pocognoli has guided Union Saint-Gilloise to a Belgian title and will seek to build on Clarke’s foundation while introducing his own ideas and developing young players within an experienced core.
Celtic has built a commanding 3-0 lead over LASK Linz after the first leg of the Champions League play-off. The second leg at the Raiffeisen Arena will determine whether they advance to the league phase or drop into the Europa League.
Napoli's Scott McTominay has undergone a pulsed field ablation for a mild benign arrhythmia and will rest for two weeks before resuming training, keeping him out through the international break and affecting Scotland duty.
Croatia captain Luka Modrić has signed on for another season with AC Milan while confirming his international future. He will continue to feature for Croatia in the Nations League, with Bilic back as manager and a packed schedule against Spain, Czech Republic and England.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has won almost 44% in Saxony-Anhalt, threatening to form Germany’s first far-right state government since World War II. Minorities fear an uptick in hostility and calls grow to curb the party. Several eastern and western states vote soon, testing coalition dynamics and Germany’s post-war memory culture.
England’s coach has announced a squad amid questions over tactical direction following a World Cup where his cautious approach drew criticism. He is aiming to balance high-tempo, attacking instincts with moments of control as Nations League fixtures approach.
England has secured bronze at this year’s World Cup after a late defeat to Argentina in the semi-final, with manager Tuchel reflecting on tactical choices and a strong team spirit that blossomed during the tournament. The squad now eyes Euro 2028 qualification and a continued rebuilding phase.
Germany has named a 44-man squad split into two groups for Nations League fixtures in September and October. The move marks Jurgen Klopp’s first squad since taking over, with several debutants and notable omissions shaped by fitness and strategy.
England has named its provisional squad for the Nations League, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer returning alongside a crop of young players. The team faces Spain, the Czech Republic and Croatia during the extended break.
Portugal’s coach has named a 25-man squad for the Nations League, with Ronaldo set to appear as he weighs his international future. New manager Jesus has replaced Martinez and is guiding Portugal into a busy schedule this September and October.