EFL Cup Qualification Overview

The Netherlands have turned to a Barcelona icon to lead their national team into a bold new era, officially appointing Xavi Hernandez as their new head coach. Replacing Ronald Koeman after a lengthy search, the legendary midfielder has committed to a long-term project that will see him lead Oranje through the next two major tournament cycles.

On 1 October, the FIGC will have to indicate to UEFA the five candidate cities, and the project for Milan’s new stadium is behind schedule

Jurgen Klopp has been warned that he will get no special treatment as head coach of Germany, with Dietmar Hamann telling GOAL that the former Liverpool manager’s “honeymoon period” will last “one game”. The enigmatic 59-year-old has returned to the dugout for the first time since bidding an emotional farewell to Anfield in the summer of 2024.

UEFA has refused to back down in its explosive stand-off with FIFA, despite a public apology from Gianni Infantino. European football's governing body maintains that its member nations could still boycott the World Cup and other major tournaments following the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprises privatisation plot.