England v Spain: Nations League opener at Wembley on September 26
England and Spain meet at Wembley Stadium in the opening match of the UEFA Nations League 2026-27 on September 26 (BST), with Thomas Tuchel’s England facing Luis de la Fuente’s World Cup-winning Spain.
England arrive off a World Cup campaign that ended without the title; Tuchel’s side finished third after taking down France in the third-place match at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and managed just two clean sheets, both in the group stage against Ghana and Panama. Spain enter the Nations League as World Champions after the same tournament, having conceded one goal and recorded seven clean sheets during their World Cup run.
Spain’s midfield presence is led by Rodri, who was awarded the Golden Ball at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and is expected to be one of La Roja’s main men in midfield. The preview notes Spain conceded only once across the World Cup and are likely to adopt a similar approach against England, relying on midfield and defensive stability.
Jude Bellingham is highlighted as England’s standout performer from the World Cup, delivering exceptional displays, helping his side control the midfield and showing goal-scoring ability that can trouble opposing defences. The England preview describes the side as possessing firepower and a strong midfield while raising questions about their defensive solidity.
England’s squad withdrawals for the fixture are listed as Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento, all out due to fitness concerns, with James Garner and Morgan Gibbs-White called up in their place. Spain’s only reported withdrawal from the squad is Pedro Porro.
The preview suggests Spain remain strongest in midfield and defence but may need to work harder in attack, while noting England will have a slight edge at home if they avoid mistakes; it concludes that Luis de la Fuente’s men are likely to come out on top and secure a win in their opening Nations League game.
The match will take place at Wembley Stadium on September 26 (BST) and will be shown in India on Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV, in the UK on Prime Video UK and S4C, and in the USA on FOX Sports, FuboTV and ViX. For further coverage the source advises following Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, downloading the Khel Now Android App or iOS App and joining their Telegram community.
