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During the international break, there are five things to watch out for.

Five things to watch during the international break in preparation for important Nations League matches and qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Who will advance to the quarterfinals of the first Nations League?

Quarterfinals have been added to the UEFA Nations League for the first time. As the top eight compete for spots in this summer's finals, the two-leg matches will take place during the next break.

The current winners and holders of the European championship are Spain, and La Roja is the favorite to win the title again. This month, Luis de la Fuenta's team plays the Netherlands in what is undoubtedly the best quarterfinal matchup.


Rematches of the 1982 and 2018 World Cup finals are scheduled elsewhere, with Croatia playing France and Italy playing Germany. Denmark will face first-time Nations League winners Portugal in the decisive quarterfinal round.

Quarterfinal matches for the UEFA Nations League

First legs: March 20

France versus Croatia

Portugal versus Denmark

Germany versus Italy

Spain versus the Netherlands

Second legs: March 23

Croatia versus France

Portugal versus Denmark

Italy versus Germany

Spain versus the Netherlands

Thomas Tuchel and a new England period

This month marks the official start of Thomas Tuchel's term as England enters a new era. Gareth Southgate resigned as head coach following consecutive losses in the European Championship final, and Tuchel was given the responsibility of leading the Three Lions to victory.


Even though this is the German's first time playing international football, his experience winning big titles and playing English football are encouraging. But Tuchel soon realized how hard it was to satisfy a disgruntled fan base.

Before a ball was even kicked, his first team, which was admittedly regressive in certain selections, was criticized. With matches against Albania and Latvia this month, England will start their World Cup qualifying campaign with the goal of earning as many points as possible. Before faltering on the big stage, England has frequently dominated qualifications. Tuchel's task will be to reverse that pattern. The talent pool is undoubtedly there to help achieve success.

How can Argentina handle a crucial doubleheader without Messi?

Lionel Messi's exclusion from Argentina's next games is a blow to the team. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has struggled with conditioning in the first few weeks of the MLS season, which has affected Messi's minutes.

He will not play in the world champion's crucial doubleheader against Uruguay and Brazil this month, it has been decided. With a five-point lead in the South American rankings, La Albiceleste can advance significantly to the championship the following summer.


Argentina's other big names will have to step up, but without Messi, Paulo Dybala, and the now-retired Angel Di Maria, the current team lacks originality. Alexis Mac Allister, a midfielder for Liverpool, may play a significant part in giving players like Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez ammunition.

Will the United States continue to hold sway over the CONCACAF Nations League?

The United States is aiming for a fourth consecutive championship in the CONCACAF Nations League finals this month. To demonstrate their supremacy in the area, the Stars and Stripes have won each of the tournament's last three iterations.

After a terrible Copa America performance as hosts last summer, the USA are now trying to rebuild under Mauricio Pochettino's leadership. Although the US will be without a number of important players, including Auston Trusty, Folarin Balogun, Malik Tillman, Folarin Dest, Malik Robinson, and Ricardo Pepi, four straight victories have boosted optimism.


Pochettino's team will begin as the clear favorites against Panama in a semi-final. Mexico or Canada, longtime rivals, will face off in the final. As co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, victory would be a significant boost before the exciting summer.

The first World Cup qualifiers will be announced soon.

This month, the initial qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup will be announced.

After an undefeated start to the third round of qualification, Japan, South Korea, and Iran could all secure their spots in the tournament in Asia. With the top two teams secured a spot in the finals, Japan leads third place in Group C by a massive 10 points. This month, the Samurai Blue will play Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.


For the first time, Oceania's federation has been given an automatic spot in the World Cup. To get to the World Cup in the past, the OFC qualification champions had to compete in an intercontinental play-off. According to the current structure, the champions will advance automatically, while the runners-up will face off against six teams—two from CONCACAF and one each from AFC, CAF, CONMEBOL, and OFC—to determine the final two FIFA World Cup spots.

Ahead of their semi-final matchup with Fiji, New Zealand, who have only made it to two World Cups before, are the clear favorites to win. The final will be either Tahiti or New Caledonia.
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