Lionel Messi and Argentina
7 October 2026

Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career with a goal and two assists in a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old finished his international career with 126 goals from a record 208 appearances.

Messi assisted Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz before converting a 71st-minute penalty in his farewell appearance. After the final whistle, Argentina staged an emotional tribute as Messi formally closed a 21-year international career that included the 2022 World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal
6 October 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he is not retiring from international football despite walking out of Portugal’s Nations League camp. The 41-year-old said he remains available for selection once any punishment arising from the incident has been served.

Ronaldo accepted responsibility for leaving camp and asked the Portuguese federation to punish him, but accused coach Jorge Jesus of twice breaking his word. He said an agreed plan over his playing time had collapsed and apologised to teammates and supporters.

Leny Yoro and France
5 October 2026

Manchester United defender Leny Yoro made his senior France debut in the 4-1 Nations League victory over Belgium. The 20-year-old started at the Stade de France and won all nine of his reported duels.

Yoro had remained an unused substitute in France’s previous three fixtures after earning his first senior call-up. Zinedine Zidane praised his display after the defender completed the full match as France maintained their unbeaten Nations League campaign.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Jorge Jesus and Portugal
4 October 2026

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus says Cristiano Ronaldo can return to the national team if he chooses, reversing expectations that the 41-year-old’s departure from the latest camp could mark the end of his international career.

Jesus said Ronaldo should decide how his Portugal career ends and that the pair can speak before November’s squad announcement. Ronaldo left camp after being an unused substitute against Norway and learning he would not start against Denmark.

Tyler Adams and United States
3 October 2026

Mauricio Pochettino has named Tyler Adams the new United States captain as the national team begins another World Cup cycle. The Bournemouth midfielder succeeds Tim Ream, who retired from international football before the United States’ recent win over Chile.

Adams previously captained the United States at the 2022 World Cup and was informed of the decision alongside his teammates on Thursday. Pochettino said Adams will remain captain going forward and described him as a role model for the squad.

Edin Dzeko and Bosnia-Herzegovina
3 October 2026

Edin Dzeko has retired from international football after making his 152nd and final appearance for Bosnia-Herzegovina in a 1-1 Nations League draw with Sweden. The 40-year-old ended his international career with an official farewell ceremony in Zenica.

Supporters marked Dzeko’s number 11 with fireworks before he received a standing ovation when substituted after 62 minutes. A guard of honour, drone display and lap of honour followed as Bosnia celebrated the end of his international career.

Robbie Savage and Peterborough United
2 October 2026

Peterborough United have appointed Robbie Savage as their new manager, giving the former Wales midfielder his first EFL managerial role. Savage leaves National League club Forest Green Rovers to replace Luke Williams at the League One side.

Savage reaches League One just 836 days after beginning management with seventh-tier Macclesfield, where he won promotion. He later guided Forest Green to the National League play-offs before Peterborough selected him as their new head coach.

Carlos Queiroz and Ghana
1 October 2026

Carlos Queiroz has left his position as Ghana head coach by mutual consent after losing both opening matches of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Ghana sit bottom of their group without a point after two rounds.

The Ghana Football Association said the decision followed talks held in mutual respect, while Queiroz acknowledged recent results contributed to his departure. Ghana must now appoint another coach before their next qualifiers after his brief second spell ended.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal
30 September 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly retired from international football with immediate effect after leaving Portugal’s training camp in Denmark. The 41-year-old departed following discussions with the Portuguese Football Federation and said he would explain his reasons publicly in due course.

Ronaldo had been left unused against Norway after Jorge Jesus preferred Goncalo Ramos and was again expected to start on the bench against Denmark. A Portuguese report described his retirement decision as final, ending a 234-cap international career with 146 goals.

Tim Ream and United States
29 September 2026

Tim Ream has officially retired from international football after 86 appearances for the United States across a 16-year career. The 38-year-old defender announced his decision before the USMNT’s friendly victory over Chile in his hometown of St. Louis.

Ream earned 33 of his caps as captain and featured at both the 2022 and 2026 World Cups after reviving an international career that had appeared finished in 2018. He will continue playing club football for Charlotte FC.