In this issue
Regular readers of World Soccer might have noticed how often we’ve mentioned the Ekstraklasa, Poland’s top flight, in recent years – for its crazy competitiveness, its remarkable stories and interesting characters – and so, finally, we decided to go over for the opening match of the 2026-27 season and check it out for ourselves.
That, alongside stories from France, Romania, Wales, Italy and Denmark, is one of several under the radar items we’ve taken a look at in this issue, plus all of Europe’s biggest leagues, including 59 players to watch out for this season and a focus in on the turbulence at a host of mega-clubs. Finally, as the world said goodbye to two footballing icons, we paid tribute to Kevin Keegan and Franco Baresi.
Jamie Evans, managing editor
Contents
THE WORLD THIS MONTH
12 Henry Winter Cole Palmer back to his best
14 Keir Radnedge The rise of the Nations League
16 Jonathan Wilson Arsenal’s summer rebuild
17 On the radar
18 Jim Holden Italian football is stuck in the past
20 Obituaries
22 In numbers
23 Transfers Summer window round-up
EYEWITNESS
28 Spain How Rodri chose Barcelona over Real Madrid
30 Malaysia Inside Johor Darul Tazim, the world’s most dominant club team
36 Portugal The downfall of former Portugues champions Boavista
2026-27 UEFA COMPETITIONS
41 Champions League preview Team profiles, talking points & fixtures
60 Europa League preview
62 Conference League preview
FEATURES
24 Transfer Windows 30 Eye-catching deals from the summer
64 Harry Kane Face to Face with the 2025-26 ESM Golden Shoe winner
66 Jorge Jesus Coach Profile on Portugal’s new boss
70 International Focus New national team coaches
76 Turn Back The Clock Norway v England, 1981
80 League Focus Australia’s A-League
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
82 Champions League preview
83 Africa Cup of Nations review
WORLD SERVICE
86 Europe UEFA Nations League preview
88 Africa AFCON 2027 qualifying preview
90 CONCACAF Leagues Cup review, US Open Cup & Nations League
92 Asia ASEAN Championship review, Arabian Gulf Cup, India v Brazil & more
94 Oceania OFC Champions League review
95 The Sweeper Tales from the 211
