It’s once again time for national teams across the globe to assemble, and between various qualifiers for various tournaments and the Nations League quarterfinals, there’s plenty on the line in this round of matches. CAF and UEFA have already played a few games this week, but there’s plenty of action left for any soccer fan to enjoy. Don’t miss your international Loons, the USMNT, or any of the other exciting matchups taking place this week.
Loons Back in Action
Minnesota United had nine players called up for the November window, with eight earning senior team call-ups and one earning a U23 nod. We’ve got Loons representing nations from four different continents, all with slightly different stakes. Euro qualifying is coming to a head, with several groups set to be wrapped up in this window for our favorite Finns. CAF World Cup qualifying is just getting started for Bongi and the Bafana Bafana, and the Concacaf Nations League is down to two-legged quarterfinals. MNUFC’s number 97 will be taking on the Reggae Boyz, while Kervin Arriaga and Joseph Rosales look to pull off the upset against El Tri.
Defender Ethan Bristow earned his first call-up to represent Saint Kitts and Nevis in their Nations League group stage matches, while Michael Boxall and the All-Whites head to Europe for a couple of friendlies. Finally, Sang Bin Jeong has likewise been called into South Korea’s U23 squad for a friendly against France. Dates, times, and general broadcast details for every international-Loon match are listed below. Enjoy!
Concacaf Nations League: Paramount+, Telemundo Deportes
UEFA Euro Qualifying: FOX Sports
CAF World Cup Qualifiers: FIFA+ (free)
- Canada: Dayne St. Clair
* Jamaica vs. Canada: Friday, Nov. 17 at 6:00 p.m. CT
* Canada vs. Jamaica: Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m. CT
- Finland: Teemu Pukki, Robin Lod
* Finland vs. Northern Ireland: Friday, Nov. 17 at 11:00 a.m. CT
* San Marino vs. Finland: Monday, Nov. 20 at 1:45 p.m. CT
- Honduras: Kervin Arriaga, Joseph Rosales
* Honduras vs. Mexico: Friday, Nov. 17 at 8:00 p.m. CT
* Mexico vs. Honduras: Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 8:30 p.m. CT
- New Zealand: Michael Boxall
* Greece vs. New Zealand: Friday, Nov. 17 at 11:00 a.m. CT
* Ireland vs. New Zealand: Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 1:45 p.m. CT
- Saint Kitts and Nevis: Ethan Bristow
* Saint Kitts and Nevis vs. Saint Lucia: Thursday, Nov. 16 at 5:00 p.m. CT
* Guadeloupe vs. Saint Kitts and Nevis: Sunday, Nov. 19 at 1:00 p.m. CT
- South Africa: Bongokuhle Hlongwane
* South Africa vs. Benin: Saturday, Nov. 18 at 7:00 a.m. CT
* Rwanda vs. South Africa: Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 7:00 a.m. CT
- South Korea U23: Sang Bin Jeong
* South Korea U23 vs. France U23: Monday, Nov. 20
Battling the Ghosts of 2018
The USMNT will be taking part in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals, returning to Trinidad and Tobago to take on the Soca Warriors once again. The first leg is set to be played at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, before both squads travel to Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. These should be winnable games for the Red, White and Blue, but that’s what we said in 2017 against these guys.
There are a few notable absences from this month’s roster, including Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, and Tyler Adams, all missing out due to injury. Meanwhile, Gaga Slonina, Kristoffer Lund, Lennard Maloney, and Kevin Paredes have all been given a chance to fill the void left by the usual suspects and prove that they belong in Gregg Berhalter’s first-choice squad.
- Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinal v Trinidad and Tobago
* Thursday, Nov. 16 at 8:00 p.m. CT
* Monday, Nov. 20 at 6:00 p.m. CT
Keep Your Eyes Peeled
As is the case during every international break, there are so many more interesting matchups to catch. If you want to see some high-stakes stuff, check out the Euro qualifiers or CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying. If you’re ready to expand your soccer fandom, tune in to a few Nations League games that don’t include the USA, Mexico, or Canada for once, or download the FIFA app to watch CAF Qualifiers in the middle of the night for FREE. I’ve picked a few of my favorite matchups below for your viewing consideration. The beautiful game is coming at you from every direction this week; take advantage of it!
Thursday, Nov. 16
- Costa Rica vs. Panama
- Argentina vs. Uruguay
Friday, Nov. 17
- Denmark vs. Slovenia
- Ghana vs. Madagascar
Saturday, Nov. 18
- Netherlands vs. Ireland
- Israel vs. Romania
Sunday, Nov. 19
- Scotland vs. Norway
- Zimbabwe vs. Nigeria
- Sierra Leona vs. Egypt
Monday, Nov. 20
- Ukraine vs. Italy
- Gambia vs. Ivory Coast
- Panama vs. Costa Rica
Tuesday, Nov. 21
- Nicaragua vs. Dominican Republic
- Brazil vs. Argentina
