We’ve made it to yet another international break, and it’s a big one, folks. Not in length—we’re only taking a week off this time around—but we’re about to witness some pretty important matches. Between friendlies, playoffs, play-ins, and trophies on the line, there’s plenty to play for during this break, and I’ve done my research so you don’t have to miss any of the action.

Loons Across the Globe

Six Loons have been called up to represent their national teams, with five of them fighting for their spots in this summer’s biggest tournaments. Alejandro Bran, Joseph Rosales, and Dayne St. Clair are in a race to earn qualification for the 2024 Copa America, coming to the USA this summer. For Teemu Pukki and fellow Finn Robin Lod, a matchup against Wales is the next hurdle standing between them and their participation in this summer’s UEFA European Championship. Throw in a few friendlies on top of all that, and you’ve got plenty of chances to catch your Loons in international action.

UEFA European Championship Qualifying Play-offs

• Teemu Pukki and Robin Lod - Wales vs. Finland on Thursday, March 21 at 2:45 p.m.

Copa America Play-in Games

• Alejandro Bran and Joseph Rosales - Costa Rica vs. Honduras on Saturday, March 23 at 6:15 p.m.
• Dayne St. Clair - Canada vs. Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday, March 23 at 3:00 p.m.

Friendlies

• Michael Boxall - New Zealand vs. Egypt on Friday, March 22 at 1:00 p.m.

• Joseph Rosales - El Salvador vs. Honduras on Tuesday, March 26 at 8:00 p.m.

• Alejandro Bran - Argentina vs. Costa Rica on Tuesday, March 26 at 9:50 p.m.

Concacaf Nations League

It’s not the Gold Cup; that’s always in the summer —for the men at least; the USWNT just won the first women’s Gold Cup (let’s go!). Concacaf isn’t the easiest federation to keep tabs on, but suffice it to say that there is indeed a trophy on the line during this international break.

The usual suspects—the USA and Mexico—are both still in the running, along with Jamaica and Panama in the semifinals. Gregg Berhalter has called up quite a squad this time around, and given the scintillating form that some of the USMNT’s biggest names are in at the moment, it’s hard to pick anyone else to lift the trophy. But crazier things have happened, so we’ll have to wait and see what goes down at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

In addition to the bracket for the trophy, the four teams that failed to advance in the quarterfinals are playing one another for a spot at the Copa America this summer. It’s a lot to wrap your head around, I know, but trust me, there’s plenty to play for, and these are going to be fun games to watch. Tune into Paramount+ for all Concacaf action during this window.

Semifinals

• USA vs. Jamaica on Thursday, March 21 at 6:00 p.m.

• Panama vs. Mexico on Thursday, March 21 at 9:15 p.m.

Third-Place Match

• Sunday, March 24 at 5:00 p.m.

Final

• Sunday, March 24 at 8:15 p.m.

Play-ins

• Costa Rica vs. Honduras on Saturday, March 23 at 6:15 p.m.

• Canada vs. Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday, March 23 at 3:00 p.m.

UEFA European Championship Qualifying Playoffs

Three spots remain in this summer’s European Championship in Germany, and twelve teams still have hopes of filling them. It’s time for the infamous play-offs—three mini-knockout brackets of four teams fighting for their spot on the bigger stage.

Some talented teams inevitably won’t make it to the tournament proper, but making it this far was no small feat. I’d pay close attention to Finland (obviously) and Kazakhstan, as well as Israel. Those are my picks to advance, but it’s really anyone’s game at this point. You can watch these exciting matchups on FOX Sports.

First Round

• Georgia vs. Luxembourg on Thursday, March 21 at 12:00 p.m.

• Greece vs. Kazakhstan on Thursday, March 21 at 2:45 p.m.

• Wales vs. Finland on Thursday, March 21 at 2:45 p.m.

• Poland vs. Estonia on Thursday, March 21 at 2:45 p.m.

• Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Ukraine on Thursday, March 21 at 2:45 p.m.

• Israel vs. Iceland on Thursday, March 21 at 2:45 p.m.

Second Round

• Tuesday, March 26

AFC World Cup Qualifiers

On the other side of the globe, the Asian Football Confederation resumes 2026 World Cup qualifying during this international window, and while there aren’t many heavyweight matchups just yet, there are plenty of important games to be played in each group. These won’t be the easiest matches to watch—given the time difference—but if you’re a night owl or an early bird, consider following along so you know what’s what before the World Cup arrives on home soil in two years. I picked three intriguing matchups, but there are plenty more to keep an eye on. All matches will be streamed for free on FIFA+.

• South Korea vs. Thailand on Thursday, March 21 at 6:00 a.m.

• Saudi Arabia vs. Tajikistan on Thursday, March 21 at 2:00 p.m.

• Kuwait vs. Qatar on Tuesday, March 26 at 2:00 p.m.

International Friendlies

The longer I look at the fixture list, the longer this watch guide gets. These friendlies might not have anything at stake, but there are some seriously fun matchups nonetheless. If you need a break from college basketball in the coming week or so, check out some of my favorite showdowns across the globe. Or just go outside; too much screen time is bad for your eyes, I think. Unless you’re reading articles on MNUFC.com.

• Portugal vs. Sweden on Thursday, March 21 at 2:45 p.m.

• Italy vs. Venezuela on Thursday, March 21 at 4:00 p.m.

• Netherlands vs. Scotland on Friday, March 22 at 2:45 p.m.

• Spain vs. Colombia on Friday, March 22 at 3:30 p.m.

• Nigeria vs. Ghana on Friday, March 22 at TBD

• Tunisia vs. Croatia on Friday, March 22 at 1:00 p.m.

• Ireland vs. Belgium on Saturday, March 23 at 12:00 p.m.

• England vs. Brazil on Saturday, March 23 at 2:00 p.m.

• France vs. Germany on Saturday, March 23 at 3:00 p.m.

• Ecuador vs. Italy on Sunday, March 24 at 3:00 p.m.

• Ivory Coast vs. Uruguay on Tuesday, March 26 at 2:30 p.m.

• Germany vs. Netherlands on Tuesday, March 26 at 2:45 p.m.

• Spain vs. Brazil on Tuesday, March 26 at 3:30 p.m.

I apologize; I didn’t seek out the broadcast details for all of those friendlies. I’m obsessed, but not THAT obsessed. There’s only so much time in the day, and between this and March Madness, I may not speak to anyone for at least two weeks. Merry March, everyone, and happy sports binge-watching!