UEFA Nations League 2026/27 : England thrash Croatia , Spain keeps winning , Belgium, Poland impress

 

The UEFA Nations League 2026/27 produced another action-packed round of matches on October 2 and 3, with Matchday 3 reaching its conclusion. The two days featured major victories for England, Spain, Belgium, Poland and Northern Ireland, while France were held by Italy in Paris. England's extraordinary 7-0 demolition of Croatia was the standout result, while Spain maintained their perfect record at the top of Group A3. 

October 2 – Belgium dominate Türkiye: Belgium strengthened their position in League A Group 1 with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Türkiye. Kevin De Bruyne was the star of the night, scoring twice, including a spectacular long-range effort, before Romelu Lukaku added the third. Belgium's victory moved them onto six points from three matches, while Türkiye remained without a point after three defeats. 

France held by Italy: France's perfect start under Zinedine Zidane came to an end as Italy earned a 1-1 draw in Paris. Michael Olise put France ahead with an excellent free-kick, but Alessandro Bastoni equalised for Italy after capitalising on a defensive mistake. France also finished with 10 men after Dayot Upamecano was sent off late in the game. The draw left France on seven points, with Belgium two points behind them in Group A1. 

Poland thrash Romania: One of the biggest wins of the night came in Warsaw, where Poland demolished Romania 6-0. Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick as Poland recorded their first victory of the campaign in Group B4. Romania were reduced to 10 men, and Poland took full advantage to produce their most convincing performance of the tournament so far. 

Northern Ireland stun Ukraine: Northern Ireland produced another important result in Group B2 by beating Ukraine 3-0. Ciaron Brown scored twice and Isaac Price also found the net as Northern Ireland opened up a three-point lead at the top of the group. Their disciplined defensive performance ensured Ukraine never recovered after falling behind early. 

Other October 2 results: Hungary defeated Georgia 1-0, while Bosnia and Herzegovina drew 1-1 with Sweden. In League C, Montenegro continued their 100 percent start by beating Latvia 2-1, while Cyprus defeated Armenia 2-0. Moldova came from behind to beat Kazakhstan 2-1, and Faroe Islands drew 1-1 with Slovakia. 

October 3 – England's seven-goal statement: England produced the performance of the entire two-day programme by destroying Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka. Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka both scored twice, while Jude Bellingham contributed a goal and three assists. Anthony Gordon and substitute Morgan Rogers were also on the scoresheet. England's victory was their biggest-ever in the Nations League and gave them six points from three matches, although they remained three points behind Spain in Group A3. 

Spain maintain perfect record: Spain continued their outstanding campaign with a 3-1 victory over Czechia. Lamine Yamal scored for the third consecutive match, while captain Rodri also found the net as Spain established a commanding position at the top of Group A3. The victory gave Spain three wins from three matches and extended their winning run to 10 consecutive international matches. 

Scotland and Switzerland win: Scotland defeated North Macedonia 2-0 in League B Group 1, with Kieron Bowie scoring early and John McGinn adding a penalty. The result gave new Scotland manager Sébastien Pocognoli his first victory, while Andy Robertson celebrated his 100th international appearance. Switzerland also maintained their strong campaign by beating Slovenia 2-1 and moving to nine points at the top of the group. 

Finland and Belarus impress in League C: Finland defeated Albania 2-1, with Leo Walta scoring both goals and taking his tournament tally to four. Belarus produced an even more emphatic result, crushing San Marino 4-0. In Group C4, Estonia edged Luxembourg 1-0, while Iceland defeated Bulgaria 3-0. 

Overall picture: After three matchdays, Portugal remained perfect in League A Group 4 with nine points, while Spain also had a 100 percent record in Group A3. France led Group A1 on seven points, Greece topped Group A2 with seven, and Switzerland and Northern Ireland were among the leading League B sides. England's spectacular victory over Croatia revived their campaign and put them firmly in contention, while Belgium's win over Türkiye and Poland's six-goal demolition of Romania were other major highlights of the two-day programme. 

October 2–3 results: Belgium 3-0 Türkiye, France 1-1 Italy, Hungary 1-0 Georgia, Ukraine 0-3 Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-1 Sweden, Poland 6-0 Romania, Latvia 1-2 Montenegro, Cyprus 2-0 Armenia, Kazakhstan 1-2 Moldova, Faroe Islands 1-1 Slovakia; Finland 2-1 Albania, Croatia 0-7 England, Belarus 4-0 San Marino, Estonia 1-0 Luxembourg, Iceland 3-0 Bulgaria, Spain 3-1 Czechia, North Macedonia 0-2 Scotland and Switzerland 2-1 Slovenia.