International football returns in September with the first major national-team window since the 2026 World Cup. From September 21 to October 6, FIFA's new extended international window will allow teams to play up to four matches, with the UEFA Nations League providing some of the most attractive fixtures.
The Best Matches of the Next FIFA International Window
England vs Spain, Netherlands vs Germany and France vs Italy headline an international window packed with major games as the UEFA Nations League returns after the 2026 World Cup.
The European competition begins on September 24 and immediately brings together several of the continent's biggest national teams.
England vs Spain
One of the biggest matches will take place on September 26 at Wembley, where England will host reigning world champions Spain in Group A3..
The fixture is a rematch of the UEFA Euro 2024 final, which Spain won 2-1 in Berlin. It will also be the first Nations League match for both teams after their runs at the 2026 World Cup.
The group will provide another major test for Spain three days later, when they host Croatia on September 29.
Netherlands vs Germany
The Nations League opens with one of European football's classic rivalries. Netherlands face Germany on September 24 in Group A2.
The match will also mark the beginning of new eras for both national teams. J眉rgen Klopp is set to take charge of Germany for the first time, while Xavi Hern谩ndez will make his competitive debut as Netherlands coach.
France, Italy and Belgium Share a Group
Group A1 could produce the most consistently high-profile matches of the window.
Italy host Belgium and T眉rkiye face France on September 25. Three days later, Belgium welcome France, while T眉rkiye host Italy.
The biggest game could arrive on October 2, when France host Italy. France then face Belgium again on October 5, meaning several direct clashes between European powers will take place in less than two weeks. (UEFA)
There will be more major fixtures elsewhere. Norway host defending Nations League champions Portugal on September 27, while Denmark face Portugal on October 1. Spain travel to Croatia on October 6, and Germany also meet Serbia and Greece during the window.
With four matchdays compressed into the new FIFA window, international football will return with little room for teams to ease into the season. England-Spain may provide the headline, but the opening weeks of the Nations League offer major games almost every day.
