🚨 Nations League Round-Up: Zidane’s France Stumble as De Bruyne Shines and Poland Hit Six

Matchday 3 of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League delivered goals, drama and several major talking points on Friday as France were held by Italy, Belgium produced a convincing win over Türkiye and Poland demolished Romania 6-0.

While Zinedine Zidane’s France dropped points for the first time under the former Real Madrid boss, Kevin De Bruyne scored twice for Belgium and Northern Ireland produced one of the night’s biggest results with a 3-0 victory over Ukraine.

Zidane’s perfect France start comes to an end

France were unable to maintain their winning start under Zinedine Zidane after being held to a 1-1 draw by Italy at the Stade de France.

Michael Olise gave France the lead in the 55th minute with a superb free-kick, but Italy responded through Alessandro Bastoni after taking advantage of a defensive error.

France continued to create opportunities, but Gianluigi Donnarumma produced several important saves to keep Italy in the contest.

The hosts were reduced to 10 men late on when Dayot Upamecano received a second yellow card.

The draw leaves France top of Group A1 on seven points, with Belgium one point behind them. Italy have four points, while Türkiye remain without a point after three matches.

De Bruyne delivers as Belgium defeat Türkiye

Kevin De Bruyne produced another influential display as Belgium defeated Türkiye 3-0.

The Belgian midfielder opened the scoring in the 10th minute before adding his second after the hour mark.

Romelu Lukaku then completed the victory 14 minutes from time, scoring his 94th international goal.

The result moved Belgium onto six points in Group A1 and kept them within touching distance of France at the top of the section. For Türkiye, it was a third consecutive defeat.

Poland tear Romania apart

The biggest scoreline of the night came in Warsaw, where Poland thrashed Romania 6-0.

Robert Lewandowski was at the centre of the result, scoring a hat-trick as Poland produced an emphatic Group B4 victory.

The result was one of the standout performances of the evening and gave Poland a major boost in their Nations League campaign.

Northern Ireland stun Ukraine

Northern Ireland also produced a statement result, defeating Ukraine 3-0 on neutral ground in Trnava, Slovakia.

Ciaron Brown scored twice, with Isaac Price adding the other goal as Northern Ireland secured all three points in Group B2.

It was one of the evening's most eye-catching results and strengthened Northern Ireland's position in the group.

Hungary edge Georgia while Bosnia and Sweden share points

Hungary claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Georgia in the other Group B2 fixture.

Meanwhile, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Sweden played out a 1-1 draw in Group B4, leaving both sides with a point from the encounter.

Action from League C

There was also plenty happening in League C.

Cyprus defeated Armenia 2-0, while Montenegro secured a 2-1 away victory over Latvia.

Moldova also claimed a 2-1 win away to Kazakhstan, while the Faroe Islands and Slovakia played out a 1-1 draw.

The bigger picture after Matchday 3

Friday's results have already changed the shape of several groups.

France remain unbeaten and top Group A1, but Belgium have closed the gap after their victory over Türkiye. Italy also remain in contention after taking a point from their trip to France.

Elsewhere, Poland's six-goal performance and Northern Ireland's 3-0 victory provided two of the night's biggest statements.

With Matchday 4 coming up on Sunday and Monday, the Nations League race is beginning to take shape — and several teams will already be looking ahead to their next opportunity to strengthen their position.

Fan Debate

⚽ Goal: Which performance stood out most from Friday’s Nations League action?

🔥 Fire: Can Belgium challenge France for top spot in Group A1?

😲 Shock: Was Poland’s 6-0 win the biggest surprise of the night?

👍 Like: How impressed were you with Northern Ireland’s 3-0 victory?

💬 Comment: Which Nations League team impressed you most today?