SPAIN BEAT ENGLAND 3-2 IN NATIONS LEAGUE THRILLER AT WEMBLEY

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By C. C. OKEKE | September 27, 2026

Spain opened their 2026/27 UEFA Nations League campaign with a dramatic 3-2 victory over England atP Wembley Stadium on Saturday, September 26. The five-goal encounter saw Spain recover from a first-half deficit before Mikel Oyarzabal scored the decisive goal in the second half.

The match began at a frantic pace. Spain took the lead inside two minutes when Lamine Yamal capitalised on an early defensive mistake to put the visitors ahead. England responded strongly, however, and turned the game around before half-time.

Anthony Gordon equalised for England in the 36th minute after Jude Bellingham helped create the opportunity. Four minutes later, Harry Kane put England ahead when his header took a deflection off Marc Cucurella and found the net. England went into the interval leading 2-1.

The second half brought another major turning point. England were awarded a penalty after Jude Bellingham was brought down inside the Spanish penalty area. Kane stepped up to take the spot kick but struck the crossbar, denying England the opportunity to extend their advantage.

Spain immediately increased the pressure and eventually found an equaliser through substitute Álex Baena in the 60th minute. Baena's introduction changed the attacking momentum of the visitors and gave Spain renewed energy in the final third.

Fourteen minutes later, Spain completed the comeback.

Baena produced the decisive contribution again, supplying Mikel Oyarzabal with a through ball. Oyarzabal remained composed before lifting his finish over England goalkeeper James Trafford to make it 3-2.

The goal was particularly significant because Oyarzabal had also scored the winning goal against England in the UEFA European Championship final in 2024. His latest goal therefore continued his record of producing decisive moments against England in major international matches.

England pushed forward during the closing stages in search of an equaliser, but Spain managed to protect their lead and secure three points from the opening matchday of Group A3.

England manager Thomas Tuchel acknowledged that his team had positive moments despite the defeat. He pointed to the difficult start and the missed penalty as important moments in the match, while England's official report noted the team's strong response after falling behind early.

For Spain, the victory provided an immediate three-point start to their Nations League campaign. The result also underlined the attacking quality available to Luis de la Fuente, with Yamal, Baena and Oyarzabal all finding the net.

The match attracted significant attention because it brought together England and the reigning world champions at Wembley. Both teams entered the competition with ambitions of progressing deep into the Nations League, making the opening Group A3 encounter one of the most closely watched fixtures of the first matchday.

Spain will now turn their attention to Croatia, while England travel to Czechia for their next Nations League fixture on September 29.

The Wembley encounter has given Spain an early advantage in the group, while England will need to respond in their next match. With the Nations League group stage only beginning, both teams still have several fixtures ahead and plenty of opportunity to shape their campaigns.

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