Athletic's Five International Players' Agenda in This Window
September 24, 2026 · Perú
Five players from Athletic Club will remain active during the international break, participating in various matches with their national teams, including in the Nations League and friendlies.
Athletic's Five International Players' Agenda in This Window
According to Mundodeportivo.
Background
Unai Simón, as the main goalkeeper, has a big responsibility in guarding Spain's goal during the Nations League. His success in the upcoming match will greatly influence Spain's chances of advancing to the quarter-finals. Apart from that, his good performance at club level with Athletic Club is also in the spotlight ahead of this international break.
Why this is important
The participation of Unai Simón and his colleagues in the Nations League is very important, especially after Spain won their second star in El Mundial 2026. By facing strong teams such as England and Croatia, their performance will be an indicator of the team's readiness ahead of the upcoming big competition. Apart from that, the results of this match can affect Spain's position in the Nations League standings.
Main Points
- Athletic's Five International Players' Agenda in This Window.
- Five players from Athletic Club will remain active during the international break, participating in various matches with their national teams, including in the Nations League and friendlies.
- La agenda de los cinco internacionales del Athletic en esta ventana.
Football activities at Lezama have been suspended for a moment, with the Athletic Club squad having a holiday until Monday. However, five players from these clubs will continue their activities with their respective national teams during this international break. Unai Simón, Aymeric Laporte and Nico Williams will strengthen the Spanish national team who have just won their second star this summer. Meanwhile, Padilla was called up to represent the Mexican national team, and Djaló will appear with Guinea-Bisáu.
In this period, the five players will face a total of ten matches, consisting of the Nations League, friendly matches and qualifiers for the African Cup of Nations. One player who will not participate is Iñaki Williams, who recently announced his retirement from the Ghana national team. For Spain, they will start the competition with four official matches in the Nations League. Unai Simón and Laporte are expected to remain the main choices, while Nico Williams will have to fight for a place in the starting eleven.
A crucial match for Spain will be at Wembley, where they will face England, the World Cup semi-finalists, on Saturday. Meanwhile, Luis de la Fuente's side will host Croatia at the Sánchez-Pizjuán on Tuesday, 29. On Saturday, October 3, Spain will play again at home against Carlos Tartiere's Czech Republic, before traveling to Croatia on Tuesday, October 6. The Nations League will conclude in November, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarter-finals scheduled to take place in March. The semifinals and final will be held in June. Apart from that, this tournament also provides an opportunity for teams to win tickets to the Euro 2028 play-offs.
Meanwhile, Rafa Márquez, who replaced Javier Aguirre, called Padilla again to start his new era with Mexico. The ‘Tri’ team will embark on a four-match friendly tour of the United States, where the Athletic goalkeeper will have the opportunity to make his international debut. On Saturday, September 26, they will play Colombia in Baltimore, followed by a match against Peru on Tuesday, September 29 in New Jersey, and against the United States on Saturday, October 3 in Glendale (Arizona), and will close the series of matches by facing Chile on Tuesday, October 6 in Los Angeles.
Djaló will also be involved in two official matches with Guinea-Bisáu. They will begin qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations which will be held in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Djaló, who made his international debut a year ago, will be the first player from the Athletic squad to compete. His team will play on Sunday against Tanzania and then host Nigeria on Tuesday, September 29. The FIFA window for Djaló will be shorter than for his Athletic colleagues, so he could possibly return in time to help the team face Real Sociedad in the EH Kopa final on Friday, October 2 in Anoeta.
What happened next
Spain will start their Nations League campaign against England at Wembley, followed by a match against Croatia at the Sánchez-Pizjuán. Unai Simón and Laporte are expected to remain top choices, while Nico Williams will have to fight for a place in the starting eleven. With a total of ten matches to face, their performance will really determine Spain's steps in this competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Athletic Club players during the international break?
Five players from Athletic Club, including Unai Simón, Laporte and Nico Williams, will play for their respective national teams during this international break.
Who confirmed that Unai Simón and other players will play for the national team?
This information is presented in an article explaining football activities in Lezama and the participation of Athletic Club players in the national team.
Why is now an important time for the Spanish national team?
The Spanish national team will start the Nations League competition with four official matches, including an important match against England at Wembley.
What changes have occurred with Iñaki Williams?
Iñaki Williams recently announced his retirement from the Ghana national team and will not participate in this international break.
What will these players face during the international period?
The five players will face a total of ten matches, including the Nations League, friendlies and qualifiers for the African Cup of Nations.
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