Belgium

With the 2026 World Cup well and truly behind us, the first fall international break saw all the top teams playing four times in three weeks. Which sides look strongest and most likely to contend in four years' time?

Leboeuf: Olise and France looked unstoppable

Zinedine Zidane's France belatedly turned on the style as late goals from substitutes Désiré Doué, Ryan Cherki and two from Michael Olise saw them come from behind to beat Belgium 4-1 in the UEFA Nations League.

Marcotti on two-goal De Bruyne: Class is permanent

Veteran stars took center stage in the Nations League on Friday with Robert Lewandowski and Kevin de Bruyne leading Poland and Belgium to victories thanks to multi-goal performances.

Leboeuf: Olise showed his talent vs. Belgium

Six months on from failing to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, four-time champions Italy are still struggling.

Roberto Mancini's second spell in charge of Italy ended in a chastening 2-0 Nations League defeat in Rome as Belgium earned a deserved win.

USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino said he regrets not being more involved in the process of appealing Folarin Balogun's suspension at this summer's World Cup, adding that the incident changed the energy around his squad.

Senegal, surely, must be asking what on earth they have done to receive the misfortune and wretched experiences they've endured since January, when they won, and then lost, the AFCON final.