Nations League Week 1: The Stories You Might Have Missed
The first week of the 2026/27 Nations League has already delivered plenty of goals and drama. But beyond the results, there have also been unusual records, family stories and moments that were much easier to miss. Here are 5 of the most interesting stories from the opening two matchdays.
1. Two Brothers Basically Won Northern Ireland a Match Together
Northern Ireland’s victory over Georgia became a family affair for Pierce and Shea Charles.
Goalkeeper Pierce saved a penalty from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the 65th minute. Then, with almost the final kick of the game, his brother Shea scored the winner nine minutes into stoppage time.
The 1–0 result also gave Northern Ireland their first-ever away victory in the Nations League. One brother stopping a potential goal and the other scoring the winner at the opposite end made it a pretty special night for the Charles family.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo Was an Unused Substitute for the First Time in 18 Years, Then Left Portugal’s Camp
Cristiano Ronaldo started Portugal’s opening victory over Wales. Three days later, something unusual happened.
The 41-year-old spent the entire 2–1 victory over Norway on the bench, reportedly the first time in 18 years that a fit Ronaldo had been an unused substitute for Portugal.
The story then developed further. On September 30, Ronaldo left the Portugal camp ahead of their next Nations League match against Denmark amid reports of disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo said he had spoken with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença before leaving and indicated that he would explain his decision to supporters later.
3. Three Generations of One Family Have Now Played for the Netherlands
Ruben van Bommel made his senior Netherlands debut against Germany and immediately made an impact.
After entering in the 83rd minute, Van Bommel won the ball and provided the assist for Cody Gakpo’s stoppage-time equaliser.
But the bigger story was his surname.
His father Mark van Bommel played 79 times for the Netherlands, while his grandfather Bert van Marwijk also represented Oranje before later managing them to the 2010 World Cup final.
Ruben therefore became the first Dutch international to follow both his father and grandfather into the national team.
4. Spain’s Unbeaten Run Has Now Reached 40 Matches
One of the biggest numbers from the opening week belongs to Spain.
Their 4–1 victory over Croatia extended their unbeaten run to a remarkable 40 matches, adding another game to the national-team record they had already established.
And once again, Lamine Yamal was at the centre of it.
The winger scored after just two minutes, added another in the second half and provided an assist as Spain followed their 3–2 victory over England with another statement win.
Two Nations League games, two wins, seven goals, and Spain’s unbeaten run continues.
5. Greece Beat Germany for the First Time Ever
Germany’s 1–0 defeat to Greece was much more historic than the scoreline suggested.
It was Greece’s first-ever victory over Germany.
It also happened during Jürgen Klopp’s first home match as Germany coach, meaning his first two games in international management produced a draw against the Netherlands followed by a historic defeat.
Not exactly the beginning most people expected from the Klopp era.
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