September’s first international window after the 2026 World Cup will carry the feel of a reset across several football capitals, from Amsterdam and Berlin to Townsville, Wembley and Baltimore. New coaches, tournament planning and the end of a Colombian era give the schedule more weight than a routine return to national-team duty.
New appointments meet in the Nations League
The standout fixture arrives on 24 September, when the Netherlands host Germany in UEFA Nations League Group A2. It will be the first major test of two newly installed managers: Jürgen Klopp takes charge of the Dutch side, while Xavi Hernández begins his own tenure with Germany.
Later that day, Norway face Denmark in Group A4. Norway will look chiefly to Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, the attacking figures around whom their ambitions will be built. Denmark arrive with a more experienced group and will aim to dictate the tempo of a Scandinavian contest that could shape the early section of the group.
England and Spain also meet in the opening round of Nations League Group A3, with Wembley set to stage one of the window’s highest-profile European games.
Brazil begin under Ancelotti in Townsville
On 25 September, Brazil travel to Townsville for a friendly against Australia. The match marks Carlo Ancelotti’s official start as Brazil coach, with the Italian beginning a gradual renewal of a squad already looking towards the 2030 World Cup.
For Australia, it is an important examination rather than simply a prestige occasion. Tony Popovic’s team are building towards the 2027 Asian Cup, and the meeting with Brazil will give the coach an opportunity to assess options across his selection.
Baltimore hosts Márquez’s Mexico debut
The featured programme concludes on 26 September in Baltimore, where Mexico play Colombia. The occasion will bring Rafael Márquez’s first match as Mexico’s national-team manager.
Colombia begin the window after the international retirement of James Rodríguez. The midfielder ended his national-team career on 15 September, having made 131 appearances and scored 31 goals for Colombia.
