The international window has supplied the biggest football headlines of 9–13 November, with the UEFA Nations League, Africa Cup of Nations qualifying and a series of international friendlies all producing important talking points. The week has been less about club transfers and more about national-team momentum, qualification pressure and players delivering on the international stage.
England qualify as Kane reaches another milestone
England defeated Croatia 2–1 at Wembley on Thursday, 12 November, to secure a place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals. Morgan Rogers opened the scoring, Petar Sučić brought Croatia level, and Harry Kane converted the decisive penalty in the second half. The match was also a landmark for Kane: he became England’s outright record appearance holder, earning his 126th cap.
Spain also strengthened its position with a 2–0 victory over Czechia. In Group A1, Italy beat France 3–1, while Belgium won 2–1 away to Türkiye. Those results leave a three-team contest involving Italy, France and Belgium for the remaining quarter-final positions in that group.
AFCON 2027 qualifying moves into a decisive phase
The third matchday of the Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers began on 12 November. DR Congo maintained a perfect start with a 3–1 win over Sierra Leone. Senegal defeated Sudan 4–1, Côte d’Ivoire edged The Gambia 2–1, and Cameroon beat Namibia 2–0. Benin produced one of the evening’s biggest scorelines, defeating the Central African Republic 4–1.
Ghana also earned its first points with a 2–0 win over Somalia. The result came after Ghana had lost its opening two group matches, making the victory important for its effort to recover ground. The qualifying double-header continues through 17 November, so the next fixtures can significantly change the group tables.
New Zealand impress against India
New Zealand beat India 5–0 in Auckland on 12 November. Jesse Randall scored twice, while Chris Wood and Lachlan Bayliss were also on the scoresheet after an early own goal. It was India’s first-ever match played in New Zealand, and the teams are scheduled to meet again in Christchurch on Sunday, 15 November.
The club game waits for the international window
The previous weekend’s domestic results remain part of the wider conversation. Manchester United and Aston Villa shared an eight-goal Premier League draw, Liverpool won 3–1 at Crystal Palace, and Sunderland defeated Chelsea 1–0. With many leading players now away on international duty, clubs will be monitoring fitness and travel before the domestic programme resumes.
What supporters should watch next
The final Nations League group fixtures and AFCON Matchday 4 matches are the immediate priorities. For clubs, the return of international players and any injury updates will shape preparations for the next round of domestic and European fixtures. These are the main verified developments available at the time of publication; scheduled matches are not presented here as completed results.
Sources:
- UEFA — Nations League Matchday 5 highlights: https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/news/02ab-220e66a3c090-9304054ed1ca-1000--uefa-nations-league-matchday-5-highlights-harry-kane-sends-/
- CAF — AFCON 2027 qualifying results: https://www.cafonline.com/afcon2025/news/totalenergies-caf-afcon-2027-qualifiers-dr-congo-extend-perfect-run-as-guinea-bissau-and-zimbabwe-held-to-draws/
- Reuters — Ghana earn first qualifying points: https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/ghana-earn-first-cup-nations-qualifying-points-2-0-win-over-somalia-2026-11-12/
- AIFF — New Zealand defeat India in Auckland: https://www.the-aiff.com/index.php/article/new-zealand-defeat-blue-tigers-in-auckland-friendly
- The Guardian — European football results: https://www.theguardian.com/football/results/2026/Nov/09