CORNERFLICK
France and Belgium both opened their 2026-27 UEFA Nations League campaigns with away wins on Friday night, while Sweden, Ukraine, Northern Ireland, Armenia and Montenegro also took three points across the other tiers.
Belgium make a winning start in Rome
Belgium beat Italy 2-0 in the night’s biggest fixture. Mika Godts opened the scoring in the 21st minute from Kevin De Bruyne’s pass, before Dodi Lukebakio added a second from distance to seal the result.
The defeat marked Roberto Mancini’s return to the Italy bench with a loss, while Mark van Bommel began his first match as Belgium head coach with a notable victory.
Mbappé settles France’s trip to Turkey
France earned a 1-0 win away to Turkey, with Kylian Mbappé scoring in the 54th minute after a pass from Michael Olise. It was his 67th international goal. France captain Mbappé also picked up an injury after the goal, which was the main concern for the visitors.
Turkey pushed for an equaliser, but Uğurcan Çakır’s late red card made the closing stages harder for the hosts.
Sweden, Ukraine and Northern Ireland win
In League B, Sweden beat Romania 2-1, with Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres on the scoresheet. Ukraine won 1-0 in Hungary through Danylo Sikan, while Northern Ireland edged Georgia 1-0 thanks to Shea Charles’ 99th-minute goal.
Pierce Charles also saved Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s penalty for Northern Ireland. Poland and Bosnia and Herzegovina finished goalless.
League C also brought wins for Armenia, who beat Latvia 2-0, and Montenegro, who defeated Cyprus 2-1. Eight matches produced only 14 goals, underlining a cautious opening night.