20 Exciting Matches to Watch During the 16-Day International Break

Football fans will have to be patient as the 2026/27 season takes a 16-day international break from September 21 to October 6.

This break is part of a new FIFA international calendar. It combines the usual September and October windows into one long period. This allows national teams to play up to four matches instead of the regular two.

Domestic football in Europe and other big leagues will pause for international matches. For example, the Premier League will stop after the September 20 games and will return on October 10.

While club football is on hold, there will be plenty of action for fans to enjoy. National teams from different continents will be busy. They will play UEFA Nations League games, Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, CONCACAF Nations League matches, and various friendlies during this time.

Some teams will fight for qualification, while others defend their titles. Many nations will also use this time to test new coaches, players, and strategies.

For Nigerian fans, this break means they can cheer on the Super Eagles in their AFCON qualifying matches, alongside other big games involving top countries in Europe and around the world.

In this report, PUNCH Online lists 20 matches to watch during the 16-day international break.

1. Netherlands vs Germany

Date: Thursday, September 24
Competition: UEFA Nations League
Kick-off: 7:45pm WAT

One of the standout matches will see Jürgen Klopp make his debut as Germany coach against the Netherlands. The Netherlands will also start a new chapter under former Barcelona player Xavi Hernández.

This match is not just big because of the teams, but also because of these high-profile coaches starting their Nations League journeys.

2. Portugal vs Wales

Date: Thursday, September 24
Competition: UEFA Nations League
Kick-off: 7:45pm WAT

The defending champions Portugal will kick off their Nations League campaign at home against Wales. Veteran coach Jorge Jesus takes over from Roberto Martínez and aims to build on Portugal's past success in the tournament.

3. Côte d’Ivoire vs Ghana

Date: Thursday, September 24
Competition: AFCON 2027 qualifier
Kick-off: 8:00pm WAT

West African rivals Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana will clash in a key AFCON qualifying match. This game is a highlight for fans wanting to follow African football during the break, as both teams begin their journey toward the 2027 tournament.

4. Türkiye vs France

Date: Friday, September 25
Competition: UEFA Nations League
Kick-off: 7:45pm WAT

Zinédine Zidane will coach France in his first competitive match against Türkiye. Zidane, a former captain and Real Madrid coach, returns to international football with a team that he helped win the 1998 World Cup and EURO 2000.

5. Italy vs Belgium

Date: Friday, September 25
Competition: UEFA Nations League
Kick-off: 7:45pm WAT

Roberto Mancini starts his second spell as Italy coach against Belgium. Mancini previously led Italy to EURO 2020 victory and will be looking for a strong start.

Belgium will also begin a new era under former Netherlands player Mark van Bommel.

6. Morocco vs Gabon

Date: Friday, September 25
Competition: AFCON 2027 qualifier
Kick-off: 8:00pm WAT

Morocco aims for a strong start in their AFCON qualifying campaign when they play Gabon. This match adds to the exciting lineup of African football during the first week of international fixtures.

7. Australia vs Brazil

Date: Friday, September 25
Competition: International friendly
Kick-off: 11:00am WAT

Brazil will kick off a series of friendlies with Australia. This match allows Brazilian fans to showcase their football skills to Australian supporters.

8. England vs Spain

Date: Saturday, September 26
Competition: UEFA Nations League
Kick-off: 7:45pm WAT

England meets Spain in one of the biggest matches of the Nations League. This match is another chance for England to test themselves against the reigning European champions.

9. Czechia vs Croatia

Date: Saturday, September 26
Competition: UEFA Nations League
Kick-off: 7:45pm WAT

Croatia starts a new chapter under returning coach Slaven Bilić when they face Czechia. Bilić returns with valuable experience from his previous time coaching Croatia from 2006 to 2012.

10. USA vs Peru

Date: Saturday, September 26
Competition: International friendly
Kick-off: 9:30pm WAT

The United States will take on Peru in a friendly match during the international break. This game is one of the notable friendlies outside the UEFA and African competitions.

11. Mexico vs Colombia

Date: Saturday, September 26
Competition: International friendly
Kick-off: 9:00pm WAT

Mexico and Colombia will also meet in a friendly. Both teams will look to assess their players during this international window.

12. Belgium vs France

Date: Monday, September 28
Competition: UEFA Nations League
Kick-off: 7:45pm WAT

Belgium will face France in another exciting Nations League match. This gives Van Bommel a chance to test his players against one of Europe’s strongest teams.

13. Türkiye vs Italy

Date: Monday, September 28
Competition: UEFA Nations League
Kick-off: 7:45pm WAT

Türkiye and Italy will meet again in the Nations League. Mancini will have the chance to assess his team’s performance in this match.

14. Spain vs Croatia

Date: Tuesday, September 29
Competition: UEFA Nations League
Kick-off: 7:45pm WAT

Spain will take on Croatia in a significant European matchup. This game is expected to attract attention due to the strong football history of both countries.

15. Czechia vs England

Date: Tuesday, September 29
Competition: UEFA Nations League
Kick-off: 7:45pm WAT

England continues their Nations League journey away to Czechia. After facing Spain, this match presents another challenge for England.

16. Argentina vs Bolivia

Date: Wednesday, September 30
Competition: International friendly
Kick-off: 9:00pm WAT

Argentina will also play during the international break, facing Bolivia in a friendly match. This game is part of a series of fixtures for the world champions.

17. Japan vs Ecuador

Date: Thursday, October 1
Competition: International friendly
Kick-off: 11:10am WAT

Japan will meet Ecuador in another friendly. This match helps teams outside the main qualifying competitions prepare for future tournaments.

18. Argentina vs Burkina Faso

Date: Saturday, October 3
Competition: International friendly
Kick-off: 9:00pm WAT

Argentina will continue their international campaign against Burkina Faso. This match is another chance for the South American team to evaluate their squad.

19. India vs Brazil

Date: Saturday, October 3
Competition: International friendly
Kick-off: 3:00pm WAT

Brazil will play India in a friendly. This game is important in India, where facing five-time World Cup winners Brazil is a big event.

20. Argentina vs Benin

Date: Tuesday, October 6
Competition: International friendly
Kick-off: 9:00pm WAT

Argentina will meet Benin to wrap up the international window. This match has generated interest due to the possibility of Lionel Messi playing, which could be one of his final games for the national team.

When does club football return?

The international window ends on Tuesday, October 6, but fans will have to wait a few more days for club football to start again. The Premier League will resume on Saturday, October 10, with matches like Arsenal vs Leeds, Manchester United vs Tottenham, and Liverpool vs Manchester City.

So, for fans used to watching their clubs every weekend, the period from September 21 to October 6 means a longer wait. But there will still be exciting football to watch.

For 16 days, the focus will shift from club teams to national teams, with qualification matches, Nations League games, and friendlies providing plenty of entertainment until domestic football returns.