It’s international break time — and I’m a bit behind the eight ball. For the first time ever, the September and October windows have been combined into one mega, double-break, making for a huge slate of games and a whole lot to cover. So, seeing as we’re smack dab in the middle of it all, I figured we’d do some overviewing, recapping, and a little bit of commentating in this first post-World Cup watch guide. Are you ready for some Loon-tinted international soccer? 

Loons

As always, your Loons have had several players called into action during this window. From standard senior-level friendlies, to UEFA Nations League matches, and even some U20 action, players from all levels and positions are trying their hand at the international game, showcasing their skillsets and growing into larger roles in the grand scheme of the world’s game. Here’s this window’s list of call-ups:

• Nectarios Triantis - Greece

• Alec Smir - Jordan

• Carlos Harvey - Panama

• Michael Boxall - New Zealand

• Darius Randell - United States U20

• Kayne Rizvanovich - United States U20

• Kenyel Michel (on loan at LD Alajuelense) - Costa Rica

Schedules for your Loons’ matches can be found in the club’s official international window announcement, for those of you who simply can’t get enough of your favorite Boys in Black and Blue. Michael Boxall was a late addition to New Zealand’s roster, though, so I’ll include his schedule here for those who need a dose of Kiwi soccer (including a Danny Rojas, Thierry Zoreaux-style showdown between Boxall and Harvey).

• New Zealand vs. Palestine, Thursday, September 24, 2-2 draw

• New Zealand vs. China, Sunday, September 27, 3-0 win

• New Zealand vs. Panama, Sunday, October 3, at 1:10 a.m. CT

Now, time to do a little lap around the world to see what competitions are being played during this two-week window. 

CAF: Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers

While plenty of national teams are simply using this window for friendly competition on the back of this summer’s World Cup, the African federation is back to business as usual, hosting the group stage of qualifiers for the 2027 AFCON. This edition of the storied tournament will be held in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, with 24 teams total making it to the tournament proper. As of now, 48 countries are vying for those spots, divided into 12 groups of four. Two teams will emerge from each group, and with just Matchdays One and Two occurring this window, we’ll have to wait until March 2027 to know what the field will look like. 

All of the African teams you fell in love with at the World Cup are participating during this window, from Cabo Verde to Morocco, along with traditional powerhouses who missed out on the big dance, like Cameroon and Nigeria. We’re halfway through this round of matches already, but with games to be played until October 6, there’s still plenty of time to get yourself a helping of CAF soccer before the break is over. I’ve picked out a few games for your viewing pleasure if you’re so inclined, with streaming available via beIN Sports:

• Somalia vs. Ivory Coast, Tuesday, September 29, at 2:00 p.m. CT

• Guinea vs. Kenya, Thursday, October 1, at 11:00 a.m. CT

• Angola vs. Malawi, Tuesday, October 6, at 2:00 p.m. CT

UEFA Nations League

Across that little pond to our East, we’ve got UEFA Nations League action, and it’s really growing on me. Since 2018, this friendly-replacement was meant to make more international matches competitive, giving previously random call-up windows a real edge and something to shoot for. The structure gives national teams an incentive to call in strong squads and perform on a consistent basis, with performances being rewarded (or punished) to present a more accurate representation of each nation’s standing in the global game. 

Our very own Nectarios Triantis is currently with the Greek national team, who have shown exactly why this competition can be so much more exciting than a regular friendly. After pulling off upsets against the likes of Serbia and Germany, the Greeks are ushering in a new generation of talent, and could be signaling their intent of establishing themselves among the sport’s best in the years to come. While Triantis hasn’t featured for his squad yet this window, there’s plenty more action to come in Europe, with big-name managers taking the reins of their national teams and several exciting matchups on the docket. Jürgen Klopp is in at Germany, Xavi Hernandez has taken over the Netherlands, Zinedine Zidane is in charge of France, and several other heavy-hitters have changed leadership after the World Cup. As ever, I’ve picked some of the best remaining matches for you, available on FOX Sports:

• Greece vs. Netherlands, Thursday, October 1, at 1:45 p.m. CT

• France vs. Italy, Friday, October 2, at 1:45 p.m. CT

• Croatia vs. England, Saturday, October 3, at 1:45 p.m. CT

• Portugal vs. Norway, Sunday, October 4, at 1:45 p.m. CT

International Friendlies

The bulk of this international break’s matches have been — and will be — friendlies. I’m not opposed to an old-fashioned friendly match, especially when that means we get to see new players step up to represent their respective nations. Take the USMNT, for example, who called 13 players into their first senior-team camps and have already given a handful of teenage rising stars a chance to show what they can do. Their 4-1 win over Peru signaled their arrival on the international stage, an encouraging beginning to the changing of the guard after yet another World Cup saw the Stars and Stripes fail to make meaningful progress. Don’t get me started, folks. It’s time for some new blood, and Mauricio Pochettino is doing it the right way. 

From Asia to the America’s, we’ve got no shortage of “friendly” matches that still have every chance of entertaining you during the break. Messi’s last dance, Son’s charge toward South Korea’s scoring record, and the next generation of North American talent taking over: Not too shabby for a slate of friendlies. Take your pick of some of the exciting matchups below, and be sure to grab tickets to the USA vs. Canada match coming to Allianz Field on October 6:

• Argentina vs. Bolivia, Wednesday, September 30, at 7:00 p.m. CT

• Japan vs. Ecuador, Thursday, October 1, at 5:10 a.m. CT

• South Korea vs. Venezuela, Friday, October 2, at 6:00 a.m. CT

• USA vs. Mexico, Saturday, October 3, at 9:00 p.m. CT

• USA vs. Canada, Tuesday, October 6, at 7:00 p.m. CT

There’s something for everyone — as long as that something is soccer, of course, and soccer is for everyone. Early bird? Watch some AFC vs. CONMEBOL matchups! Night owl? Concacaf has you covered. Soccer doesn’t stop; neither should you, my friends.