UEFA Nations League 2026: France and Italy shine, Spain reach quarter-finals as Kane leads England — October 5–7 review

 

The fourth round of the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League concluded on October 6 with several significant results across Leagues A, B and C. France produced the biggest comeback of October 5 by defeating Belgium 4–1, while Italy beat Türkiye 3–1. On October 6, Spain came from behind to defeat Croatia 2–1 and secure a place in the quarter-finals, while England completed an impressive double over Czechia with a 3–0 victory. There were also important results for Switzerland, Slovenia, Hungary, Sweden and Slovakia. UEFA's official results confirm that the league phase will resume in November, meaning there were no Nations League matches on October 7. 

October 4 produced several important results in the UEFA Nations League. Portugal defeated Norway 2–1 through goals from João Cancelo and Gonçalo Ramos after Kristoffer Ajer had given Norway the lead, securing Portugal's place in the quarter-finals with a perfect four wins from four in Group A4. Netherlands beat Serbia 2–1 to move top of Group A2, while Greece held Germany to a 0–0 draw, leaving Germany with only one win from four matches. In Group A4, Denmark defeated Wales 1–0, while Austria drew 1–1 with Kosovo in League B. Elsewhere, Republic of Ireland and Israel also drew 1–1, while Azerbaijan beat Lithuania 1–0 and Malta defeated Andorra 1–0. 

October 5: France produce stunning comeback

The headline result of October 5 came at the Stade de France, where France defeated Belgium 4–1 in League A Group 1. Belgium appeared on course for a major result after Dodi Lukebakio put the visitors ahead in the 35th minute. France, however, transformed the match in the final stages. Désiré Doué equalised in the 77th minute before Rayan Cherki put the hosts ahead four minutes later. Michael Olise then produced a decisive finish, scoring twice late in the game to complete a remarkable comeback. The victory was particularly significant for coach Zinedine Zidane, who registered his first home win in charge of France. 

France's victory left them at the top of Group A1 with 10 points from four matches, while Italy moved into second place with seven points. Belgium remained third on six, with Türkiye still searching for their first point. France's strength in depth was particularly impressive, as all four goals came after Belgium had taken control of the match and several of France's substitutes played decisive roles. 

Italy also strengthened their position by beating Türkiye 3–1. Gianluca Scamacca gave Italy the lead before Aral Simsir restored parity for Türkiye. Italy responded quickly through Riccardo Calafiori, while Pio Esposito added a late third goal to seal another important result for Roberto Mancini's side. The victory extended Italy's unbeaten run and moved them firmly into second place in the group. 

There were several closely fought matches in League B. Hungary defeated Ukraine 2–1, maintaining their challenge near the top of Group B2, while Northern Ireland and Georgia played out a goalless draw. In Group B4, Sweden beat Romania 1–0 and Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated Poland 1–0. Northern Ireland remained top of Group B2, with Hungary just one point behind after four matches. 

In League C, Cyprus beat Latvia 2–1, while Montenegro and Armenia shared a goalless draw. The results underlined the competitiveness of the lower divisions, where promotion and relegation battles remain wide open. 

October 6: Spain complete comeback in Croatia

Spain produced one of the most impressive performances of the round in Split, overcoming Croatia 2–1. Ivan Perišić headed Croatia into a 17th-minute lead, but Spain gradually took control. Substitute Mikel Merino equalised in the 61st minute before completing the comeback with an 89th-minute winner. Croatia were reduced to 10 men after Perišić received a second yellow card in the 79th minute. 

The victory was hugely important for Spain, who moved to 12 points and secured their place in the Nations League quarter-finals. It also extended the world champions' unbeaten run to 42 matches, stretching back to March 2024. Spain's ability to recover from an early setback against a determined Croatian side further strengthened their status as one of the leading teams in the competition. 

England also enjoyed another convincing victory, beating Czechia 3–0 at Wembley. Vladimir Coufal's own goal opened the scoring after a cross from Harry Kane, who then took centre stage. Kane scored shortly before half-time and added a second goal in the 57th minute, completing a memorable individual performance. The England captain also equalled Peter Shilton's record of 125 international appearances and took his international goal tally to 91. 

England's result left them second in Group A3 on nine points, behind Spain's 12. Croatia remained on three points, while Czechia have yet to register a point. England have therefore put themselves in an excellent position to qualify for the quarter-finals, although the decisive November fixtures still remain. 

League B: Slovenia stun Scotland, Switzerland remain perfect

There was a major surprise in Group B1 as Slovenia defeated Scotland 2–1 at Hampden Park. Scotland took the lead through Ryan Christie, but Slovenia responded strongly after half-time, with Aljoša Matko and Danijel Šturm scoring to complete the turnaround. Scotland struggled to match Slovenia's energy and organisation and were ultimately deservedly beaten. 

In the other Group B1 encounter, Switzerland defeated North Macedonia 3–0. Fabian Rieder, Johan Manzambi and Dan Ndoye scored for the Swiss, who maintained their perfect record and moved to 12 points from four matches. Slovenia are second on seven, Scotland have four and North Macedonia remain without a point. 

League C: Slovakia hit four

Among the other October 6 results, Slovakia produced one of the biggest wins by beating Moldova 4–0. Kazakhstan and the Faroe Islands shared a 2–2 draw, while Estonia and Iceland finished 0–0. Bulgaria defeated Luxembourg 2–0. In Group C1, Albania edged San Marino 2–1, while Belarus recorded a narrow 1–0 victory over Finland. 

Overall picture

After four rounds, Spain and France have emerged as two of the strongest sides in League A, with Spain already securing a quarter-final place and France leading Group A1. Portugal had already qualified from Group A4 after beating Norway on October 4, while England are in a commanding position after their successive victories over Czechia and Croatia. 

The November fixtures will therefore be decisive. The top two teams from each League A group advance to the knockout stage, while the lower leagues will also see crucial battles for promotion, relegation and play-off positions. With Spain, France, Portugal and England among the leading contenders, the Nations League is heading towards a highly competitive final stage before the knockout rounds begin in March.