International soccer is always a good thing; you’ll never catch me saying anything different. That said, it is slightly inconvenient to have a break in the middle of the playoffs. I mean, come on, we were rolling! This better be one exciting international window because I reckon I’m not the only person that’s a bit peeved about the untimely pause. I’ve still made a guide for everyone, so try to set aside your annoyance at the break in momentum and enjoy some interesting games across the globe.

Loons

We’re sending seven Loons out into the wonderful world of international duty, and it’s the usual suspects. They’ll all be playing in competitive matches this window, no friendlies this time around. From Nations Leagues to qualifiers, your globe-trotting Loons will be keeping that playoff intensity lit in these important games:

• Dayne St. Clair - Canada
• Tani Oluwaseyi - Canada
• Robin Lod - Finland
• Teemu Pukki - Finland
• Michael Boxall - New Zealand
• Joseph Rosales - Honduras
• Carlos Harvey - Panama

Another month, same guide structure. I know; it’s predictable! Perhaps I’m losing my edge, but I’d rather show you exactly how to schedule your viewing than craft a clever new format. Maybe I’ll make a new one next time, but only if I’m feeling up to it. Read on to discover who your Loons are taking on and which other matches are worth watching during the break!

USMNT Spotlight

Pochettino and the boys are back, and this time, there’s silverware on the line. Friendlies were never going to be the best way to judge our new manager, but I was still underwhelmed by his general approach. Now, with the Concacaf Nations League Quarter-Finals up next, it’s time to see what Poch can do when it matters a bit more.

A strong roster features most of the USMNT’s biggest stars, including Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tim Weah. A trio of Liga MX-based players may come as a surprise to some fans, but Cade Cowell, Brandon Vazquez, and Alex Zendejas have more than earned a closer look from their new gaffer. Aidan Morris returns to the midfield group, as well as Venezia’s Gianluca Busio and Tanner Tessman, as Pochettino looks to liven up his options in the middle of the pitch in Tyler Adams’ absence.

Jamaica has a pool of very talented players to call upon, including Premier League players Ethan Pinnock, Leon Bailey, and Michael Antonio. Despite these fantastic individuals, the Reggae Boyz are beatable, and anything less than advancing will be a disappointment for US fans. All USA games are available for streaming on Max.

• Jamaica vs. USMNT on Thursday, November 14, at 7:00 p.m.
• USMNT vs. Jamaica on Monday, November 18, at 7:00 p.m.

Concacaf Nations League

As I mentioned above, the Concacaf Nations League goes on this break, with the quarter-finals taking center stage. We’ve got four Loons looking to advance, and luckily, none of them are playing each other—yet. These two-legged affairs see each team play home and away to determine who advances to the semifinals on aggregate score, and they should all make for exciting viewing. Check out Paramount+ for all of your Concacaf action.

• Costa Rica vs. Panama on Thursday, November 14, at 8:00 p.m.
• Suriname vs. Canada on Friday, November 15, at 5:30 p.m.
• Honduras vs. Mexico on Friday, November 15, at 8:00 p.m.
• Panama vs. Costa Rica on Monday, November 18, at 8:00 p.m.
• Canada vs. Suriname on Tuesday, November 19, at 6:30 p.m.
• Mexico vs. Honduras on Tuesday, November 19, at 8:30 p.m.

UEFA Nations League

The second best Nations League will also be back this window, with two more match days on the way. There are too many big games for me to narrow down, and they all kick off at the same time, dang it. I think whoever scheduled these was trying to save me from myself, and I’m so glad they’re looking out. Otherwise, I’d live in front of my television watching international soccer even longer than I already will, and who knows how that would impact my health?

This window will see the end of the group stage, meaning that fourth place teams will be relegated and group-winners and runners-up will be put into the playoffs for the league title. It’s not the simplest structure, but I’ll explain it in more detail another time. All you need to know for now is that Finland could use a pair of wins to avoid relegation and Greece are a perfect four for four thus far. These matches are big; watch if you can!

• Matchday 5
  • Belgium vs. Italy on Thursday, November 14, at 1:45 p.m.
  • Ireland vs. Finland on Thursday, November 14, at 1:45 p.m.
  • Greece vs. England on Thursday, November 14, at 1:45 p.m.
  • Denmark vs. Spain on Friday, November 15, at 1:45 p.m.
  • Portugal vs. Poland on Friday, November 15, at 1:45 p.m.
  • Türkiye vs. Wales on Saturday, November 16, at 11:00 a.m.
• Matchday 6
  • Finland vs. Greece on Sunday, November 17, at 11:00 a.m.
  • Italy vs. France on Sunday, November 17, at 1:45 p.m.
  • Croatia vs. Portugal on Monday, November 18, at 1:45 p.m.
  • Spain vs. Switzerland on Monday, November 18, at 1:45 p.m.
  • Hungary vs. Germany on Tuesday, November 19, at 1:45 p.m.

World Cup Qualifying: AFC, CONMEBOL, and OFC

We’ve made it to the qualifiers! Three federations will continue their quests to determine who will be playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and while several nations have all but secured their spot, there are still plenty of places up for grabs in each federation. A competitive field in CONMEBOL could see some separation with a few well-placed results, while there’s still plenty of time for AFC nations to make a run in these Third Round Qualifiers. Michael Boxall and his Kiwis could wrap-up their group with a pair of wins, setting themselves up nicely for the Qualifying Playoffs in March of 2025. Catch AFC and OFC qualifiers for free on FIFA+ and CONMEBOL on Fanatiz.

• AFC: Third Round
  • Australia vs. Saudi Arabia on Thursday, November 14, at 3:10 a.m.
  • Qatar vs. Uzbekistan on Thursday, November 14, at 10:15 a.m.
  • Iraq vs. Jordan on Thursday, November 14, at 10:15 a.m.
  • China vs. Japan on Tuesday, November 19 at 6:00 a.m.
• CONMEBOL: Matchdays 11 and 12
  • Venezuela vs. Brazil on Thursday, November 14, at 3:00 p.m.
  • Paraguay vs. Argentina on Thursday, November 14, at 5:30 p.m.
  • Uruguay vs. Colombia on Thursday, November 14, at 6:00 p.m.
  • Colombia vs. Ecuador on Tuesday, November 19, at 5:00 p.m.
  • Brazil vs. Uruguay on Tuesday, November 19, at 6:45 p.m.
• OFC: Matchdays 2 and 3
  • New Zealand vs. Vanuatu on Friday, November 15, at 12:30 a.m.
  • Samoa vs. New Zealand on Monday, November 18, at 12:30 a.m.

AFCON Qualifying

We’re at the business end of AFCON qualifying, with the final two matchdays set to determine who’s in and who’s out of next summer’s competition. Group A has some huge matchups, while several other groups have pivotal games that could see the winner take all. Check out beIN Sports or Fubo USA to catch select matches, and be sure to follow along if you can’t watch.

• Matchday 5
  • Rwanda vs. Libya on Thursday, November 14, at 10:00 a.m.
  • Benin vs. Nigeria on Thursday, November 14, at 1:00 p.m.
  • Burkina Faso vs. Senegal on Thursday, November 14, at 1:00 p.m.
  • Gambia vs. Comoros on Friday, November 15, at 1:00 p.m.
• Matchday 6
  • Tunisia vs. Gambia on Monday, November 18, at 1:00 p.m.
  • Sierra Leone vs. Zambia on Tuesday, November 19, at 10:00 a.m.

Alright, that’s it. I’m spent! I hope at least one of you watches soccer from 3:00 a.m. (Australia vs. Saudi Arabia) to 8:00 p.m. (Costa Rica vs. Panama) on Thursday. If you plan to watch those matches—and everything in between—you are actually crazy. It’s good to know I’m not alone.