Messi’s farewell, Zidane’s debut and Spain’s first test: the best games of the international break

T he 2026 World Cup may be over, but international soccer is wasting little time turning the page. For national teams across the globe, the September-October international break represents the beginning of a new cycle.

The emotions of the World Cup are still fresh, but attention is already shifting toward the UEFA Nations League, Africa Cup of Nations qualifying , and the long road toward future tournaments. This extended window combines FIFA’s September and October dates i nto a single stretch packed with elite matchups, historic rivalries, managerial debuts, and one unforgettable farewell.

From Lionel Messi’s final appearance in an Argentina shirt to Spain’s first match as world champions and Zinedine Zidane’s long-awaited debut as France manager, here are the 10 games that deserve a place on every soccer fan’s calendar.

1. Argentina vs. Benin (October 6)

Not every must-watch game is defined by competitive stakes. Argentina’s meeting with Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires will be remembered for one reason above all else: Lionel Messi’s farewell to international football. After leading Argentina through one of the most successful eras in the nation's history, Messi is expected to make his final appearance for La Albiceleste in front of a home crowd.

The result will matter far less than the occasion itself. Fans will gather to celebrate a player who delivered a World Cup, multiple Copa América titles, and countless unforgettable moments while becoming the defining figure of modern international soccer. For many, it could be the last opportunity to watch the greatest player of his generation represent his country.

2. England vs. Spain (September 26)

If one match stands above the rest from a competitive standpoint, this is it. England welcomes newly crowned world champion Spain to Wembley Stadium in the opening round of the new UEFA Nations League campaign . Spain enters the contest carrying the confidence and expectations that come with being world champions, while England arrives eager to prove that its third-place finish at the World Cup was merely the beginning.

Wembley provides a fitting backdrop for a clash featuring two of the deepest and most talented squads in international football. It is an early opportunity to gauge whether Spain can sustain its dominance and whether England is finally ready to take the final step toward major-tournament glory.

3. Netherlands vs. Germany

Few rivalries in European football carry as much history as the Netherlands against Germany. This meeting adds another intriguing layer, with both nations beginning new chapters under high-profile managers . Xavi Hernández takes charge of the Dutch national team, while Jürgen Klopp begins his tenure leading Germany.

The matchup will offer an early glimpse into how each coach intends to reshape one of Europe’s traditional powers. Beyond the tactical intrigue, matches between these neighbors rarely lack intensity, regardless of whether points or pride are on the line.

The spotlight will follow Zinedine Zidane wherever he goes, and his first match as France manager is no exception. After a legendary playing career and tremendous success with Real Madrid, Zidane now inherits one of the most talented national teams in the world. Replacing Didier Deschamps , who guided France for more than a decade, is no easy task.

An away trip to Turkey presents a challenging introduction. Turkish supporters are known for creating one of football’s most intimidating atmospheres, making this a fascinating test of how quickly Zidane can establish his identity with Les Bleus.

African football takes center stage as qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations gets underway. Ivory Coast and Ghana remain two of the continent’s most recognizable powers, and their meeting should deliver both quality and intensity.

Matches between these neighbors rarely disappoint, and this one could set the tone for their entire qualification campaign.

One legend is approaching the end of his career, while another superstar appears to be entering his prime. Cristiano Ronaldo continues his pursuit of the remarkable 1,000-goal milestone, refusing to slow down despite an already unparalleled résumé. Across the field stands Norway, led by Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard , a team determined to establish itself among Europe’s elite.

The contrast between generations makes this matchup particularly compelling. Ronaldo’s experience and ambition collide with a Norwegian side that believes its best years are still ahead.

International soccer does not produce many fixtures with a richer history than France versus Italy. Recent years, however, have seen the trajectories of these nations diverge. France remains among the sport’s heavyweights, while Italy continues searching for stability after a difficult period that included multiple World Cup disappointments.

That imbalance only increases the intrigue. For Italy, a victory at the Stade de France would represent a powerful statement that a revival is underway. For France , it is another opportunity to demonstrate that the Zidane era can begin as successfully as the Deschamps era ended.

Officially, this is just a friendly. In reality, it feels far more significant. Morocco has become one of Africa’s standard-bearers and continues to carry high expectations after its recent success on the global stage. Ghana, meanwhile, remains determined to return to the continent’s upper tier.

The matchup features two proud footballing nations with contrasting styles and plenty of talent, making it one of the strongest non-competitive fixtures of the entire international window.

9. United States vs. Mexico

Some rivalries never need extra motivation. T he United States and Mexico will renew their fierce competition at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, adding another chapter to the defining rivalry of North American soccer.

Both teams are entering a post-World Cup period filled with questions and opportunities. Every meeting between these nations carries emotional weight, regardless of whether a trophy is at stake. Fans can expect a packed stadium, a charged atmosphere, and the kind of intensity that has characterized this rivalry for decades.

The international break closes with another matchup featuring enormous significance. Croatia’s golden generation continues to chase the major trophy that has narrowly eluded it for years. Luka Modrić remains the symbol of that pursuit, representing one of the greatest eras in Croatian football history.

England’s ambitions are equally clear. Despite possessing world-class talent and regularly reaching the latter stages of major tournaments, the nation is still waiting to end a championship drought that stretches back decades. Whenever these teams meet, the stakes seem larger than the competition itself. This encounter should be no different.