The 2024-25 season has just kicked off and yet another international break is upon us!
The biggest names in the game have all departed their clubs to join up with the national teams, with the UEFA Nations League, FIFA World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, and CONCACAF Nations League dominating the fixtures list between now and next Tuesday.
Concacaf powerhouses Mexico, Canada, and the USMNT take center stage here, with all three being involved in interesting friendlies during the ongoing international break. The focus will be on El Tri and the Stars in Stripes in particular following their disappointing Copa America campaigns, as both nations look to turn a corner before hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Here is a look at the upcoming friendlies and which fixtures to keep an eye on.
Top friendlies to watch during September 2024 international break
Saturday, September 7
Tuesday, September 10
USMNT face Canada and New Zealand: Can the Stars and Stripes shine ahead of Pochettino's much-awaited arrival?
Mauricio Pochettino will become the new head coach of the U.S. national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in North America. While the Argentine has not yet been officially appointed, a deal has been struck and his arrival is imminent.
In fact, the former Chelsea boss is expected in Kansas City for the USMNT's exciting clash with Canada, live on Peacock, Universo, TNT, Max, and Telemundo. While he will not be in the dugout for the Canada game, Pochettino could be in the stands watching on — the New Zealand game on September 10 remains uncertain, however. As a result, the players will need to impress their incoming boss.
Mikey Varas is temporarily in charge but the task remains the same nonetheless. The USA must improve before co-hosting the FIFA World Cup in two years. Crashing out of the 2024 Copa America in the group stage on home soil was the final nail in the coffin for Gregg Berhalter. The next two games might shine some light on the Stars and Stripes' immediate future.
Mexico kick off life under Javier Aguirre in September friendlies against New Zealand and Canada
Mexico, one of three co-hosts for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, face a similar predicament to the USA. However, unlike the Stars and Stripes, El Tri have already appointed a new head coach, with Javier Aguirre taking over the national team in time for September's friendlies.
Jaime Lozano oversaw Mexico's disappointing 2024 Copa America campaign, with the North American giants also crashing out in the group stage. While the Mexican Football Federation did not outright sack Lozano following their early exit, the FMF wanted to demote him to an assistant between now and the 2026 FIFA World Cup before reinstating him as the head coach after the tournament. The former Querétaro manager turned down this offer, thus leading to his dismissal.
The CONCACAF Gold Cup holders will want to return to winning ways starting with Saturday's clash with New Zealand. Aguirre called up a handful of players who represent foreign clubs to achieve this, including Feyenoord's Santiago Gimenez and Bournemouth's Julian Araujo. Do not miss their upcoming matches.
List of friendly games during the September 2024 international break
Wednesday, September 4
Lebanon vs Tajikistan
Malaysia vs Philippines
Gibraltar vs Andorra
Thursday, September 5
Solomon Islands vs Hong Kong
Bhutan vs Bangladesh
Vietnam vs Russia
Saturday, September 7
Russia vs Thailand
Sunday, September 8
Hong Kong vs Fiji
Bhutan vs Bangladesh
Tuesday, September 10
Vietnam vs Thailand
Moldova vs San Marino
*Check out our competition page for international friendlies for more info on the upcoming games, their kick-off times, and how to watch them in your location
