The UEFA Nations League opened with a dramatic evening of football on 25 September 2026, headlined by Jürgen Klopp's debut as Germany head coach ending in a draw, Portugal making a winning start as holders, and Erling Haaland striking twice to power Norway past Denmark in a five-goal thriller.

Klopp's Germany Debut Ends Level After Gakpo Stunner

Cody Gakpo rescued a point for Netherlands with a stoppage-time volley, denying Klopp a winning start and ensuring both sides began their Nations League campaigns unbeaten. The match also marked an unbeaten opening for new Dutch head coach Xavi Hernandez.

Felix Nmecha had given Germany the lead in the first half, forcing the ball in from close range after a Karim Adeyemi effort was blocked. Both Adeyemi and Dutch substitute Mexx Meerdink spurned presentable chances before Gakpo's composed late finish swung the result. Klopp, who took charge of the German national side for the first time, will see the draw as a missed opportunity given his side's first-half advantage.

Portugal Open Title Defence with Win Over Wales

Holders Portugal began their title defence with a 1-0 victory over Wales in Lisbon, courtesy of a 22nd-minute strike from João Félix. The forward collected a pass from Nuno Mendes and drilled the ball home from outside the box under new coach Jorge Jesus, who made a winning start at the Portugal helm.

Cristiano Ronaldo shot wide in the first half and Rúben Dias went close with a header as the Seleção dominated for long spells. Wales, promoted to this tier, came agonisingly close to an equaliser 16 minutes from time when Brennan Johnson lobbed deftly against the crossbar from an acute angle. A sharp rebound block from Dias ensured the three points stayed with Portugal.

Haaland Double Seals Norway Thriller Over Denmark

Norway edged a pulsating contest in Oslo, beating Denmark 3-2 thanks to Erling Haaland's decisive 74th-minute finish from a short-corner routine. It was Haaland's second goal of the night, having earlier latched onto Antonio Nusa's pass to slide home Norway's second.

Oscar Bobb had opened the scoring with a curling effort before Haaland doubled the advantage. Mikkel Damsgaard pulled one back with an expertly taken free-kick and Rasmus Højlund nodded Denmark level on the hour, setting up a tense finale. Haaland, who continues his remarkable international scoring record, settled the contest with his second to ensure the three points for Norway.

Greece Snatch Late Win Over Serbia

In a dramatic finish elsewhere, substitute Tasos Douvikas headed in a winner at the death from a Kostas Tsimikas cross, as Greece came from behind to beat Serbia. The hosts had taken a 4th-minute lead through Andrija Živković, assisted by the returning Dušan Tadić — back from international retirement. Vangelis Pavlidis struck the post for Greece before Christos Tzolis levelled in the 74th minute, slotting past Vanja Milinković-Savić from a tight angle. Saša Lukić hit the post at the other end before Douvikas' late header sealed Greece's comeback victory.

What to Watch Next

With Klopp's Germany already playing catch-up in their group, the pressure builds for their next outing. Portugal's test will come against stronger opposition, while Haaland's Norway have announced themselves as genuine contenders. The Nations League group stage continues over the coming weeks, with standings set to take shape quickly.