Soccer Betting News This Month | Champions League, Nations League Returns, Market Watch & Analysis | September 2026

By Seb Blasco, Updated on: Sep 1, 2026

Nations League - new managers, fresh expectations

The Nations League returns next week, with a line up of heavyweight managers looking to establish themselves in international football.

The long awaited reign of Zinedine Zidane begins in France, whilst Jurgen Klopp returns from his sabbatical to take charge of Germany. Roberto Mancini is back in the driving seat for Italy, whilst Thomas Tuchel will be out to prove the doubters wrong after a torrid end to England's World Cup campaign.

And the big question still remains - can anyone actually stop Spain?

England - how will Tuchel react?

England’s World Cup semi-final capitulation to Argentina leaves Thomas Tuchel with a clear question - how does he stop his team retreating when the stakes rise? It’s the same question that eventually stumped Gareth Southgate. Moreover, it’s the exact problem Tuchel brought in to fix.

There is no need for a wholesale rebuild of the squad, however after the way in which England crumbled against Argentina, Tuchel can expect, and deserves, to face increased scrutiny.

The problem for Tuchel, one that faces all international managers, is the impossibility of replicating the high pressure environment of knock out football. That said, England will play in the top tier of nations league football this season, a level of increased competition that Tuchel will no doubt welcome.

The campaign starts with maybe the toughest test of all as the World Champions Spain visit Wembley.

France - what will Zidane change?

French fans have long been asking for 1998 World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane to take the reins of Les Bleus, with many finally tiring of Didier Deschamps ‘negative’ tactics.

Their wish has now come true, with pundits and fans alike hoping that Zidane can finally get the most out of France's wealth of footballing talent.

If we know anything about Zidane from his time at Real Madrid, it’s his pragmatic approach, valuing squad balance and individual flair over a rigid tactical doctrine.

If his time at Madrid is anything to go by, winning back to back Champions Leagues whilst managing a squad of superstars, then Zidane will surely be a success, managing a France team that is arguably the most talented in the world.

Germany - what will Klopp bring?

After a horrific World Cup performance, losing on penalties to Paraguay in the round of 32, Germany were in desperate need of new ideas. Enter Jurgen Klopp.

Klopp, probably the most successful German club manager of the modern era, should bring energy and fresh ideas to the national team.

However, question marks remain around whether he will be able to bring his unique brand of aggressive pressing and rapid attacks to the international game.

Klopp's best teams at both Liverpool and Dortmund were formed on the training pitch. He simply won’t have the same level of access to players at International level.

Nations League winner odds

Fixtures to watch out for

Let's take a look at some of the biggest games coming up over the next few weeks.

Spurs v Villa

Spurs and Aston Villa meet with both desperate to kickstart disappointing campaigns. Tottenham have collected just two points from four Premier League matches, with their expensive attack still awaiting its first league goal.

Villa have fared even worse, taking one point and scoring only once across their opening four games. That makes this an early examination of nerve as much as quality

 Spurs −109, draw +230, Villa +230.

England v Spain

World champions Spain visit World Cup semi-finalists England at Wembley, giving Thomas Tuchel an immediate opportunity to answer lingering questions about his leadership. Reaching the last four demonstrated England’s quality, but the defeat by Argentina left his approach under scrutiny.

Spain offer the sternest possible examination of whether he can turn a talented squad into a side capable of beating the very best. Tuchel needs conviction, tactical clarity and a performance that makes supporters believe bigger prizes are achievable on the biggest stages of all.

England +188, draw +250, Spain +155.

France v Italy

France and Italy enter a new chapter with familiar footballing names carrying fresh expectations. Zinedine Zidane has succeeded Didier Deschamps, while Roberto Mancini returns to rebuild Italy after Gennaro Gattuso’s departure. Their meeting offers an early glimpse of how quickly ideas can become an identity. France will want their attacking talent to flourish under Zidane; Italy need Mancini to restore confidence, cohesion and competitive authority.

Neither manager can complete a transformation overnight, but this intriguing heavyweight encounter should reveal the foundations being laid for the next major international tournament cycle.

PSG v Barcelona

PSG against Barcelona already looks like an early litmus test for the Champions League title race. The holders provide the benchmark, while Barcelona arrive with ambitions of showing they can set the standard themselves.

Both opened their European campaigns with emphatic victories, and whilst October will not decide who lifts the trophy, this meeting will potentially expose underlying weaknesses that we just don’t see against lesser opponents.

Bayern v Arsenal

Arsenal’s trip to Bayern Munich offers a similar test. Having reached last season’s final, the Gunners must show they can sustain that level against opponents with the pedigree to challenge any visitor.

Bayern, meanwhile, have the opportunity to measure their own ambitions against a side that now expects to compete for Europe’s biggest prize. The midfield battle and composure in both penalty areas should provide valuable clues. One result cannot crown champions, but an authoritative performance in Munich would strengthen either team’s credentials.

Previous market updates

• [September, 2026]: Messi announces retirement from international football.
• [August, 2026]: Arsenal favourites for the Champions League final.
• [July, 2026]: England bow out to the holders, who face a final vs Spain.
• [July, 2026]: England through to the semi finals of the World Cup.
• [July, 2026]: England through to quarter finals of the World Cup.
• [July, 2026]: Spain through to last 16 of the World Cup.
• [June, 2026]: Ecuador qualify for the knockout phase of the World Cup.
• [June, 2026]: USMNT qualify for the knockout phase of the World Cup.
• [June, 2026]: USMNT kicked off the World Cup with a 4-1 win against Paraguay.
• [June, 2026]: Spain are favourites to win the World Cup.
• [May 28, 2026]: PSG edged into slight favouritism for the Champions League final in Budapest, with Arsenal still close behind.
• [May 27, 2026]: England's World Cup squad announcement caused a stir after several big-name omissions, while they remained among the main contenders.
• [May 25, 2026]: Spain stayed near the top of the World Cup outright market despite injury concerns around key players.
• [May 22, 2026]: Norway gained traction as a popular dark horse ahead of the World Cup, led by Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard.
• [April 15, 2026]: Arsenal entered the Champions League quarter-final market as +225 favourites.
• [Early February 2026]: Arsenal moved to -500 favourites to win the Premier League following a dominant winter run.
• [December 2025]: Arsenal slipped to -145 in the title market after a rash of injuries disrupted their momentum.

Meet the author

Seb Blasco

Seb Blasco has a background spanning journalism, sports betting, and filmmaking. After earning a degree in sports business with a focus on European football, he began his career as a sport betting analyst, working with major broadcasters and sports betting firms. More r...