Tag
international football
The international break is the time when club football around the world pauses and players are handed over to their respective international coaches for a period of two to three weeks at a time. Four times a year, countries play qualifying matches for confederation tournaments and the World Cup, alongside the Nations League and friendly matches. During international tournaments like the World Cup, Copa America, Euros and African Cup of Nations, players are with their countries for up to 6 weeks at a time. The international break is fantastic for national coaches and fans who love watching their country. For club managers, owners, and fans, it can be a long wait to see if players come back to the club game fit or injured.
This new International break at the start of the 26/27 season is so long! Most countries are playing 4 matches over 3 weeks, which is almost as long as the World Cup. I guess it’s now only two international breaks instead of three before Christmas though.
The Nations League was brought in by UEFA in 2018 to replace friendly fixtures during international breaks and fills the gap between a summer tournament ending and the following qualifiers beginning. Unlike traditional qualifying where countries play against teams ranked in different coefficient pots, the Nations League is designed for countries at a similar standard to play against each other. There are four leagues (A, B. C, D), each with 16 teams divided into four groups (apart from League D which has six teams split into two groups of three). There is promotion and relegation between the leagues, with the League A winners and runners-up advancing into the quarter-finals for the chance to win the Nations League trophy after three rounds. Performance in the Nations League can benefit countries in qualifying for the World Cup and Euros, a second chance. CONCACAF also has a Nations League and AFC plan to start a Nations League in 2028.
The Nations League might be seen as a little halfway house, not quite a full competitive match but more than a friendly but it’s helped lower-ranked nations to build confidence over time. The extra qualifying spot has led to countries like Georgia and North Macedonia qualifying for European Championships through the playoffs designated to the lower ranked Nations League placings.