Topic
nationsleague
6 stories, newest first.
Politics · Middle EastIreland coach asks UEFA to separate teams from Israel
Ireland's football coach, Heimir Hallgrímsson, has asked UEFA to avoid pairing his team with Israel in future competitions. The request follows two contentious Nations League matches between the sides, which were marked by political tensions and on-field incidents.
Middle East4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 61 · Hype 41
Politics · Middle EastIreland players refuse handshake with Israel captain
Irish footballers again wore black armbands and bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem before a Nations League match. Goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher refused to shake hands with Israel's captain, Dor Peretz.
Middle East3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 65 · Hype 45
Media · European UnionIreland coach asked about racism allegations, press conference ends
Ireland's pre-match press conference for their Nations League game against Israel was cut short after a journalist asked coach Heimir Hallgrimsson about alleged racism by Irish players. The team's communications officer intervened, calling the allegations untrue.
European Union2 min readTrust 54 · Craft 87 · Hype 15
Politics · United KingdomSpain defeats England 3-2 in Nations League thriller
Spain came from behind to beat England 3-2 in their Nations League opener at Wembley. Lamine Yamal scored early for Spain, but England led 2-1 before halftime. Harry Kane missed a penalty while England was ahead, and Mikel Oyarzabal scored the winning goal for Spain.
United Kingdom4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 57 · Hype 68
Politics · Middle EastIsrael FA criticises Ireland manager over 'genocide' comments
Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson stated his team was "playing against genocide" in upcoming Nations League matches against Israel. The Israel Football Association responded on social media, calling Hallgrimsson "stupid, ignorant and hypocritical". The fixture will be held at a neutral venue in Hungary.
Middle East3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 61 · Hype 41![Xhaka, 33, made his international debut in 2011 and is Switzerland's all-time record appearance holder with 152 caps. [File:George Wood/Getty Images]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/getty_6ab11fb316-1789992883_2e3466-1789993482.jpg?resize=1200%2C630&quality=80)
PoliticsGranit Xhaka admits fake COVID certificate, misses Swiss matches
Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka has admitted to acquiring a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate. He will miss the upcoming international camp and UEFA Nations League fixtures as a result. The Swiss Football Association (SFV) made the decision jointly with the player.
3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 59 · Hype 41