Klopp's Germany debut ends 1-1 with Netherlands; Haaland scores twice for Norway

Jürgen Klopp's managerial debut with Germany concluded in a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in a UEFA Nations League match at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam on 24 September 2026. Felix Nmecha gave Germany the lead in the first half, but Cody Gakpo, a forward Klopp previously managed at Liverpool, scored a spectacular volley from a Ruben van Bommel cross in injury time to secure a draw for the Dutch. The match was marked by intensity and tactical rivalry between the two nations, with Klopp and Barcelona legend Xavi Hernández both managing in their first games since leaving their club positions in May 2024.

Multiple injuries marred the contest. Arsenal forward Kai Havertz departed after 30 minutes with a suspected muscle strain to his left hamstring following a challenge from Quinten Timber; he returned to Arsenal on 25 September for assessment and subsequently left the Germany camp. Sunderland's Brian Brobbey suffered a hamstring injury for the Netherlands, and Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala sustained a suspected thigh problem during Germany's warm-up and did not play. Both Havertz and Musiala were replaced in Germany's squad ahead of upcoming fixtures.

In parallel Nations League action, Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway defeated Denmark 3-2 in Oslo. Oscar Bobb opened the scoring for Norway, and Haaland doubled the lead within 18 minutes. Mikkel Damsgaard and Rasmus Hojlund pulled Denmark back to 2-2, but Haaland's 74th-minute winner from a short corner proved decisive. Norway finished with 10 men after David Moller Wolfe received a second yellow card in stoppage time. Haaland's two goals extended his international tally to 64 in 56 appearances.

Cristiano Ronaldo, age 41, featured for Portugal in a 1-0 victory over Wales, with João Félix scoring the decisive goal in the 22nd minute under new manager Jorge Jesús. Ronaldo was denied a goal in the 67th minute when VAR determined he was in an offside position. Elsewhere, Greece defeated Serbia 2-1 with late goals from Christos Tzolis and Anastasios Douvikas, Austria beat Israel 3-1 with Sayed Abu Farchi sent off for celebrating with the corner flag, Kosovo defeated the Republic of Ireland 1-0, and Lithuania won 2-0 in Liechtenstein while Malta beat Andorra 2-1.