Spain’s first match since lifting the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in another statement result as the newly crowned champions came from behind to beat England 3-2 at Wembley in their UEFA Nations League opener on Saturday.

The visitors needed only two minutes to make their mark. A mistake from Marc Guehi presented Lamine Yamal with an opportunity, and the Barcelona forward made no mistake, curling the ball beyond James Trafford to give Spain an early lead.

England gradually found their rhythm and turned the contest around before half-time. Anthony Gordon levelled in the 36th minute before Harry Kane completed the comeback four minutes later, sending the hosts into the interval with a 2-1 advantage.

Spain, however, refused to let their post-World Cup return slip away. Alex Baena restored parity in the 60th minute, setting up a dramatic final half-hour at Wembley.

The decisive moment arrived in the 74th minute. Baena produced the creative spark again, finding Mikel Oyarzabal, who finished to put Spain back in front at 3-2. The Real Sociedad forward was once again involved in a decisive moment against England, continuing a notable connection between the two sides.

England were handed a major opportunity to respond when they were awarded a penalty, but Kane struck the crossbar, allowing Spain to preserve their lead.

The result gives Spain an ideal start to their Nations League campaign and extends the momentum generated by their World Cup success. For England, there was plenty of attacking promise, but defensive errors and Kane’s missed penalty ultimately proved costly.

With five goals, a comeback, a missed penalty and plenty of attacking quality, Wembley witnessed an absorbing contest between two of European football’s heavyweight nations.