Cyprus national football team faces Montenegro in Nations League opener

The Cyprus national football team kicks off its UEFA Nations League campaign tonight, September 25, 2026, with an away match against Montenegro. The game is scheduled for 21:45 at the Gradski Stadium in Podgorica and will be broadcast on RIK. Italian referee Daniele Chiffi has been appointed to officiate the match, which marks the beginning of the League C, Group 2 competition for the Cypriot team.

Under the leadership of coach Apostolos Mantzios, the Cypriot squad aims for a strong performance. The team is missing defender Laifis, but options for the starting lineup include Fabiano in goal, with players like Tsaroullas, Antoniou, Konomis, and Sotiriou competing for defensive spots. Midfielders Andreou, Kostis, and Kastanos, alongside attackers Pittas, Edwards, and Tzionis, are expected to play key roles. The group also includes Armenia and Latvia, who face each other earlier today.

The tournament format dictates that group winners will be promoted to League B, while second-place teams will compete in play-offs against the lowest-ranked teams from League B to vie for promotion. Cyprus seeks to secure one of the top two spots in the group to advance its standing in the competition.