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Weekend Highlights: Heavyweight Nations League clashes and BJK Cup Finals headline action

World champions Spain are set to face England in the Nations League on Saturday
World champions Spain are set to face England in the Nations League on SaturdayČTK / imago sportfotodienst / Moritz Mueller / Flashscore

There may be no club football for the next few weeks, but there is still plenty to look forward to this weekend, with some huge UEFA Nations League clashes on the cards. Meanwhile, the Billie Jean King Cup Finals conclude, Formula 1 heads to Baku, and the NFL goes to Brazil.

Flashscore's news editors have gone through the calendar to pick out the sport you just can't miss from Friday to Sunday. Here are the headline events to watch over the coming days:

Friday, September 25th

Turkey vs France - 20:45 CET

Footballing legend Zinedine Zidane's reign as France manager begins Friday night with a tough trip to Turkey for their UEFA Nations League opener.

Didier Deschamps spent 14 years at the helm of the French national team, winning the World Cup in 2018 and finishing runner-up in the 2022 edition, as well as winning the Nations League in 2021 and reaching the EURO 2016 final.

Zidane's only previous management role was at Real Madrid, where he enjoyed incredible success during two separate stints (2016-18, 2019-21), including clinching three straight Champions League trophies. He has reportedly been waiting for the France job for a while, and his goal now will be to win silverware with a squad full of superstars.  

The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise will face their first test in Izmit, as Vincenzo Montella's side await. Despite getting promoted to UEFA Nations League A and qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in 24 years, Turkey are facing a lot of negativity after a dismal performance in the USA, finishing bottom of their group.

Turkey - France win probability
Turkey - France win probabilityFlashscore

Led by Real midfielder Arda Guler, Turkey will be without key players Kenan Yildiz and Hakan Calhanoglu, both of whom are injured.

The atmosphere will be electric, and with plenty of intrigue surrounding Zidane's France team, this is a game you certainly don't want to miss.

Tolga Akdeniz

Saturday, September 26th

Azerbaijan Grand Prix - 13:00 CET

Next up on the Formula 1 calendar is a trip to Baku for an Azerbaijan Grand Prix that is full of character, challenges and often chaos.

We rarely get a dull race in the City of Wind, thanks to a combination of high-speed straights and terrifyingly tight corners - the castle section in particular has become one of the most notorious and iconic in F1 since the race was introduced in 2016.

All eyes will be on the Mercedes pair this weekend, with George Russell starting on pole position and Championship leader Kimi Antonelli down in 16th after crashing out in qualifying. That leaves the Brit with a huge opportunity to significantly reduce the 81-point lead his teammate has over him in the standings.

He failed to take such an opportunity in Italy earlier this month, with Antonelli producing a stunning drive to win from 19th on the grid, and such a scenario unfolding again would well and truly put an end to the 2026 title fight. For Russell, nothing short of a win is good enough.

Such high pressure on such a challenging circuit is a recipe for big drama, and regardless, the sight of Formula 1 cars driving around medieval walls and castles is worth tuning in for alone.

Finley Crebolder

England vs Spain - 20:45 CET

After Friday evening's showdown between France and Turkey, the Nations League keeps delivering on Saturday night with a box-office clash between world champions Spain and hosts England at Wembley.

It is also a rematch of the EURO 2024 final, which saw Spain narrowly beat England. Gareth Southgate was the head coach in England's dugout that day, but the new-look Three Lions under Thomas Tuchel feel very familiar: England are still not winners.

The Nations League and a return to League A is an opportunity for England to end their trophy curse, but to do that, Tuchel will need to find a way to beat Luis de la Fuente's side, and that won't be easy.

Spain are a well-oiled machine that play a brand of football a world away from their rivals. They will dominate possession and be patient for the moment to strike and when they do, it is hard to believe England's defence will have an answer.

Win probability
Win probabilityFlashscore

That is where Tuchel must show he has learnt from his costly mistakes in the States. His side can't sit too deep and invite too much pressure without any out ball or threat on the counter. If Tuchel plays his cards right, then England have quality in attack to cause Spain issues, but the visitors remain favourites.

And if Lamine Yamal carries his club form over to his national side, then Spain might just blow England away. However, Lewis Hall had Lamine's number when Barcelona met Newcastle in the Champions League last season and the left-back might need a similar game to stop Spain's superstar this time out.

Tactically, this is a fascinating clash and another huge test of Tuchel's credentials as England coach. For De la Fuente's side, this is just another stop on the road to retaining the European Championship in 2028 as they seek to continue their domination of international football.

Harry Dunnett

Sunday, September 27th

Billie Jean King Cup Finals final - 11:00 CET

The prestigious Billie Jean King Cup draws to a conclusion on Sunday, as the Czech Republic take on either two-time defending champions Italy or Ukraine in a fascinating showpiece in Shenzhen.

Barbora Strycova's Czechia sealed their place in the final after a convincing 2-0 victory over Spain on Friday, with top-10 stars Karolina Muchova and Linda Noskova proving too strong in their respective rubbers against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro and Cristina Bucsa.

Meanwhile, Italy and Ukraine will battle it out in the second semi-final on Saturday, as Jasmine Paolini looks to continue her remarkable record at the BJK Cup, having won 10 successive matches.

With a star-studded lineup of Muchova, Noskova, and doubles specialist Katerina Siniakova, Czechia will certainly fancy their chances of capturing a first BJK Cup title since 2018.

However, with Paolini and Sara Errani a formidable force in the doubles for Italy, and Elina Svitolina and Anhelina Kalinina headlining a strong Ukrainian team, it promises to be an intriguing conclusion to the biggest team event in women’s tennis!

Danny Clark

Baltimore Ravens vs Dallas Cowboys - 22:25 CET

The NFL is back in Brazil for the third time as both the Ravens and Cowboys enter the matchup at 1-1 for the season.

Baltimore are coming off a brutal 24-17 loss in their home opener to the New Orleans Saints, while the Cowboys are coming off a 37-20 win over the Washington Commanders.

This international primetime game marks the eighth-ever regular-season matchup between the two teams. Baltimore hold a stellar 6-1 record against the Cowboys, with their only loss coming in 2016. When asked about facing 'America's team', Ravens QB Lamar Jackson said: "This is America. That's Brazil."

The Ravens currently hold a 1-1 record in international games. The Cowboys aren't better, with a 2-7-1 international record. Luckily, both teams are on equal playing ground, as it's the first time both have ever played in Brazil.

Baltimore head to Rio with the No. 4 offence and No. 5 defence; the Cowboys have the No. 24 offence and No. 29 defence.

While Baltimore could be without star receiver Zay Flowers and starting left tackle Ronnie Stanley, both of whom haven't practiced all week, the Cowboys will be going without Cobie Durant (CB), Malik Hooker (S), P.J. Locke (S), and DeMarvion Overshown (LB).

Eric Himmelheber

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