The November 2026 international break promises high-stakes action, with several national teams completing their UEFA Nations League group campaigns, Africa playing the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, and others playing international friendlies. The international window runs from November 9 to 17. Reigning world champions Spain will host England at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid on Sunday, November 15, in a crucial UEFA Nations League Group A3 encounter.
Spain and England last met on September 26 at Wembley, where Spain claimed a 3-2 victory after coming from behind. The result left Spain top of the group with 12 points from 4 matches, while England occupy second place with nine points. Spain have already secured a place in the quarter-finals, but England will be looking to finish their group campaign strongly and avenge their September defeat. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. GMT.
Argentina will face Uruguay in an international friendly at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires on Friday, November 13. The match will mark Argentina's first appearance following Lionel Messi's farewell to the national team, which came in a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin on October 6. Messi announced his international retirement on August 31, ending a career in which he made 207 appearances and scored 125 goals for Argentina.
Another talking point will be the famous No. 10 shirt, which Argentina are expected to leave unassigned for their November friendlies rather than immediately hand it to another player. Como midfielder Nico Paz has emerged as one of the reported contenders to inherit it when official competitions resume in 2027. Argentina will also face Costa Rica on November 17.
Portugal will welcome Denmark to the Estádio Municipal de Braga on Saturday, November 14, in a UEFA Nations League Group A4 match. The encounter will be Portugal's first since Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on November 5, ending his 23-year career with 234 appearances and 146 goals. Real Madrid midfielder Bernardo Silva has been named the new captain following Ronaldo's departure.
Ghana is set to face Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium on Thursday, 12th November. The Black Stars will hope to secure the maximum 3 points to keep their qualification hopes alive after losing back to back matches against Cote D’Ivoire and Gambia. Other interesting fixtures include France v Italy, Croatia v England, Belgium v Turkey, and Germany v Netherlands.
The upcoming international break will also feature South Africa vs Kenya, and Belgium v Italy, among others. Fans can look forward to a thrilling schedule of matches, with several teams looking to make a statement ahead of the 2027 AFCON and other major tournaments.
Key points
- Spain will host England in a crucial UEFA Nations League Group A3 encounter on November 15.
- Argentina will play their first match without Lionel Messi against Uruguay on November 13.
- Portugal will welcome Denmark in a UEFA Nations League Group A4 match on November 14.
