Nations League Kick-Off: Van Bommel’s Belgium Stuns Italy, Mbappe Injured in France Win!

The UEFA Nations League exploded back into life, delivering a thrilling opening night filled with tactical masterclasses, dazzling individual brilliance, and a fair share of drama. But the headline act undoubtedly belonged to new Belgium head coach Mark van Bommel, whose Red Devils delivered a stunning performance to dismantle Italy in Rome, immediately announcing their intentions in the competition.

For Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri, it was a truly miserable homecoming to the Stadio Olimpico. The man who guided Italy to EURO 2020 glory before consecutive third-place finishes in this very tournament watched on as his side was outmaneuvered and outclassed, raising serious questions about their readiness for the challenges ahead. This wasn’t just a loss; it was a statement victory for Belgium, signalling a powerful shift in the European landscape.

Elsewhere, Kylian Mbappe continued his habit of finding the net, but his winning goal for France against promoted Turkey came at a cost, as the superstar striker limped off with an injury – a potentially significant blow for the reigning champions. The night also saw victories for Northern Ireland, Armenia, Ukraine, Montenegro, and Sweden, underlining the competitive spirit across all leagues of the Nations League.

Belgium vs Italy: Van Bommel’s Masterclass in Rome

In his highly anticipated debut since departing Antwerp in 2024, Mark van Bommel couldn’t have dreamt of a more perfect start. The former Netherlands international watched his Belgium side produce two goals of exquisite quality, showcasing a potent blend of individual skill and devastating counter-attacking football that left Italy reeling.

The opener was a moment of pure magic from new Paris Saint-Germain sensation Mika Godts. Collecting the ball with intent, Godts embarked on a mazy, serpentine run that left Italian defenders grasping at air, before coolly slotting home from inside the box. It was a goal that screamed confidence and flair, announcing Godts as a talent to watch this season. But if the first goal was a ballet of dribbling, the second was a thunderclap of power and precision.

Benfica winger Dodi Lukebakio cemented the 2-0 victory with a strike that was arguably even more spectacular. Initiating a lightning-fast counter-attack from near the halfway line, Lukebakio drove towards the penalty area with unstoppable momentum. A flourish of trickery kept the ball glued to his feet, creating a sliver of space before he unleashed a monstrous strike from distance that arrowed into the net. It was a goal that embodied Belgium’s newfound dynamism and clinical edge under Van Bommel, leaving the Azzurri and their fans stunned at the Stadio Olimpico.

Game Highlights: A Night of Drama and Decisive Moments

• Belgium 2-0 Italy:Mika Godts announced his arrival with a dazzling solo run and composed finish, while Dodi Lukebakio sealed a memorable victory with a breathtaking long-range strike, showcasing Belgium’s potent counter-attacking prowess under new boss Mark van Bommel.
• France 1-0 Turkey:Kylian Mbappe proved the difference-maker once again, securing a crucial away win for France. However, the joy was short-lived as the superstar striker was forced off with an injury, casting a shadow over the champions’ opening night.
• Northern Ireland 1-0 Georgia:In a truly dramatic finish, Shea Charles etched his name into the headlines, scoring a stunning 99th-minute winner to snatch all three points for Northern Ireland in Tbilisi. It was a testament to their unwavering belief and never-say-die attitude.
• Sweden 2-1 Romania:The Premier League duo delivered for Sweden! Liverpool’s Alexander Isak opened the scoring, and Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres netted the decisive goal, either side of a reply from PSV’s Dennis Man, securing a hard-fought victory in Solna.
• Ukraine 1-0 Hungary:Danylo Sikan’s first-half strike proved enough for Ukraine to claim a narrow but vital victory in Budapest. The match saw late drama with Oleksandr Nazarenko receiving a red card in the 92nd minute, adding tension to the final moments.
• Armenia 2-0 Latvia:Goals from Georgii Arutiunian and Artur Garibyan secured a comfortable home win for Armenia, getting their Group C campaign off to a flying start.
• Montenegro 2-1 Cyprus:A spirited comeback from Montenegro saw them overcome an early deficit. After Marcus Edwards put Cyprus ahead, Nikola Krstovic and Milutin Osmajic found the net to ensure a winning start for the home side.
• Poland 0-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina:Despite the prolific Robert Lewandowski leading the line, Poland couldn’t break the deadlock against a resolute Bosnia and Herzegovina defence, sharing the points in a goalless draw in Warsaw.

Full Nations League results: September 25 2026

In League B, Liverpool’s Alexander Isak and Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres scored either side of a reply from PSV’s Dennis
Man as Sweden beat Romania 2-1 in Solna.

Danylo Sikan’s first-half winner proved the only goal of the game as Ukraine defeated Hungary 1-0 in Budapest, where Oleksandr Nazarenko was sent off in the 92nd minute for the visitors.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia spurned a 65th-minute penalty before Shea Charles scored in the 99th minute of Northern Ireland’s 1-0 win over Georgia in Tbilisi.

Despite prolific captain Robert Lewandowski leading the line for the hosts, Poland and Bosnia and Herzegovina shared a 0-0 draw in Warsaw.

Georgii Arutiunian and Artur Garibyan’s goals gave Armenia a 2-0 home win over Latvia in Group C, with Nikola Krstovic and Milutin Osmajic scoring as Montenegro came from behind to beat visitors Cyprus, who had led through Marcus Edwards.

Nations League fixtures: September 26 2026

Get ready for another electrifying day of football! Here’s how Saturday’s fixtures look:

Prediction: England vs Spain – A Clash of Titans

Saturday’s standout fixture sees Gareth Southgate’s England host Spain in a mouth-watering League A encounter. Both nations boast incredible depth and tactical nous. England, fresh off a solid run of form, will look to dominate possession and exploit Spain’s defensive vulnerabilities on the counter-attack, especially with the pace of their wingers.

Spain, under their new generation of midfield maestros, will aim to control the tempo with their trademark intricate passing. However, they’ve shown susceptibility to high pressing and rapid transitions in the past. With the home crowd roaring them on at Wembley, England’s blend of youthful exuberance and experienced leadership might just give them the edge in what promises to be a tight, fiercely contested battle.

Our Prediction: England 2-1 Spain.Expect a late winner as England’s attacking power ultimately proves too much for the visitors.

Where to watch the Nations League: TV channel, live online stream

Don’t miss a moment of the action! Viewing information for the new season worldwide is available by checking UEFA’s full list of Nations League broadcasters. Tune in and witness the drama unfold!