As the 2026 World Cup grows ever closer, puzzle pieces are sliding into place in the first international soccer break of 2025, which ran from March 17-25th. The main spectacles this week included the UEFA Nations League Quarterfinals, World Cup Qualifiers (qualifiers are complicated; read about them here), and the CONCACAF Nations League. Here’s a quick and dirty breakdown of the international break in three big matches, two stand-out players, and one major takeaway.
3 big matches
There was certainly something for everyone in this international window, with match-ups between international giants and smaller nations alike. Here are three big ones, in case you missed them.
Panama vs Mexico (2-1)
Mexico won 2-1 over Panama in a fiery, hard-fought match, pushed over the finish line with a 92nd-minute penalty given off of a handball and converted by striker Raul Jiménez. This is Mexico’s first-ever CONCACAF Nations League Title.
The match was a glimpse into the heat and passion of real football–an environment in stark contrast to the match for third place that Canada won 2-1 over USA. The stadium was noticeably sparse, possibly due to the sale of seat tickets as doubleheaders, as fans of El Tri may have simply bought the ticket for the Mexico-Canada clash later that night and skipped the earlier USA-Panama match.
Spain vs Netherlands (4-3)
Spain went through to the UEFA Nations League Semifinals on penalties against the Netherlands, who kept the game even at 3-3 (agg. 5-5) in the second leg of the quarter-finals held in Mestallas, Spain. Barcelona FC midfielder Pedri snatches the victory by netting the sixth penalty, sending the young, star-studded Spaniard team through to the semifinals. In other news: Lamine Yamal flashes a cheeky, metal-clad grin as he sags his shorts, clapping back at comments made by former Dutch international Rafael van der Vaart criticizing the youngster for his attitude and wearing his shorts low.
Brazil vs Argentina (4-1)
A Neymar-less Brazil returns home from a 4-1 defeat by defending world champions Argentina, who also played without their superstar Lionel Messi. Even without Messi, Argentina is a clinical, aggressive side with Atlético Madrid striker Julian Alvarez drawing first blood in just four minutes.
Though Wolverhampton’s Matheus Cunha retaliated in the 26th minute for Brazil, it was a sound defeat for the Seleção, especially after Raphinha’s boastful comments promising to “beat them [Argentina] up! Absolutely! Beat them up! On the pitch and off the pitch if we have to” in an interview with Romario TV.
The fuming Barcelona captain had to be restrained from confronting Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez by teammate Endrick as the teams walked into the dressing rooms after the game.
2 standout players
As far as star players go, I won’t bother to point out the usual suspects: Lamine Yamal, Joshua Kimmich, and Jude Bellingham, as per usual, shone brightly. French midfielder Michael Olise also quietly put in another impressive shift for Les Bleus, earning a starting spot and scoring a goal in the second leg against Croatia. Instead, here are two fresh faces who performed on the international stage.
Patrick Aygemang
Patrick Agyemang was a glimmering spot of potential in an otherwise lackluster showing for the USMNT this week. The Charlotte FC striker brought a much-needed grittiness and desire to the field, making a pair of shots on goal in the waning minutes of the game even as it seemed his teammates felt defeat was imminent. This window is Agyemang’s first official match for the US national team and is an inspiring story for homegrown American heroes.
His story is atypical of most pro soccer players. Agyemang played Division III soccer at East Connecticut State University, moving up to Division I at the University of Rhode Island before signing to MLS team Charlotte FC in 2023. He had never before been tapped by the national team, and was noticed for his talents playing for his club.
Myles Lewis-Skelly
Myles Lewis-Skelly became England’s youngest scoring debutant at 18 years and 176 days old, surpassing national teammate Marcus Rashford’s (18 years, 209 days) debut goal in May 2016. He joins the likes of football legends Wayne Rooney (17 years, 317 days in 2003) and Michael Owen (18 years, 164 days in 1998) as the youngest debut goal scorers in what is a meteoric breakout season.
An academy player for Arsenal FC, who are having a crackling season (second in the Premier League and onto the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League), Lewis-Skelly has emerged as a key player for the Gunners. His performance at Arsenal this season has led to his first cap with the Three Lions, and under new manager Thomas Tuchel, the young defender may just flourish.
1 big takeaway
One thing is clear: the hosts of the 2026 World Cup seem to be in trouble, at least if the results of the CONCACAF Nations League Cup are to be considered.
Canada and USA, two of the three host nations of the 2026 competition, finished third and fourth place in a Nations League that is considered fairly uncompetitive. Meanwhile, League Cup Winners Mexico will test their mettle against Switzerland and Türkiye in friendly matches held in June. The pressure’s on, especially for the USMNT. It’s a tense race against time (amidst a fraught political backdrop) to muster up the grit necessary to perform on home soil in 2026.
Conclusions
Japan is the first to clinch a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, aside from the three host nations of Canada, Mexico, and the United States. New Zealand, Iran, and Argentina have also secured their spots in the tournament by winning their groups in the qualifiers.
With the break now over, players file back to their club duties–some with only a day or two of rest. La Liga managers in particular have raised concerns about the schedule and lack of rest, to not much response. Following a rejected bid to reschedule the match, Barcelona will play Osasuna on March 27th without key forward Raphinha, who played for Brazil against Argentina only two days prior.
The next men’s international window will take place this summer, from June 2-10. If you just can’t wait for your next fix of international football, the women’s international break is just around the corner, from March 31st-April 8th.
