10:48 AM ET
The countdown is on to the start of the World Cup in Qatar, with the host nation kicking it all off on Nov. 20 when they take on Ecuador.
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All 32 finalists are making their closing plans for the tournament, hoping that star players head into the World Cup in top form and don’t get struck down by injury. Away from that, there are plenty of players desperately hoping to break into their country’s 26-man squad, which has to be named by Nov. 13.
– World Cup finals bracket and fixtures schedule
Each week, we’ll take a look at the favourites to see how they are shaping up and also check in with other nations as their players either shine or struggle.
The final friendlies and UEFA Nations League fixtures before the World Cup have taken place. How are the teams and players looking?
Jump to: England | United States | Argentina | Brazil | France | Germany | Spain | Portugal | Netherlands | Belgium | Mexico | Ghana | Cameroon | Morocco | Tunisia | Senegal | Australia | IR Iran | South Korea | Japan | Uruguay
ENGLAND Nations League results: Italy 1-0 England, England 3-3 Germany STOCK CLIMBING
Jude Bellingham : The clamour for his inclusion has grown over recent months, but two bright displays against Italy and Germany in this international break should have removed any doubt in Gareth Southgate’s mind over whether the 19-year-old starts in Qatar. Phil Foden was one of England’s better performers, but Bukayo Saka ‘s lively cameo against Germany leaves the battle to partner Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling up front in Southgate’s 3-4-3 system finely poised. Luke Shaw justified his manager’s faith against Germany and is the front-runner to start at left wing-back.
Trent Alexander-Arnold : Not starting is one thing. Not being in the matchday squad at all for England’s second game was quite another. Southgate then followed that up by declaring that Kieran Trippier is ahead of the Liverpool defender in England’s seemingly bottomless list of high quality right(-wing)-backs. That effectively means Alexander-Arnold is fourth choice behind Reece James , Kyle Walker and Trippier, making his spot in Qatar look very doubtful. Harry Maguire continues to enjoy Southgate’s support, but being at fault for two of Germany’s goals will only increase the wider scrutiny on the Manchester United centre-back.
– Olley: England’s players still believe in Southgate – Ogden: England fail to prove they’ll contend for the World Cup
UNITED STATES International friendly results: Japan 1-0 USA, Saudi Arabia 0-0 USA STOCK CLIMBING
Matt Turner : The Arsenal goalkeeper was about the only U.S. player to come out with this reputation enhanced following a 2-0 defeat to Japan and a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia. The Arsenal keeper was sharp and did plenty to keep the U.S. in both matches. Was it enough to stake a claim to the starting goalkeeper position? Manager Gregg Berhalter was tepid in his praise and still seems to have a soft spot for Middlesbrough keeper Zack Steffen , but Turner is certainly making the decision difficult with his performances.
ARGENTINA International friendly results: Argentina 3-0 Honduras, Jamaica 0-3 Argentina STOCK CLIMBING
Julian Alvarez : A striker with a great deal to offer in the years to come who scored the second goal of his international career in the win over Jamaica . The Manchester City striker linked up well with second-half substitute Lionel Messi , who scored two late goals, which could bode well for the World Cup.
BRAZIL International friendly results: Brazil 3-0 Ghana, Brazil 5-1 Tunisia STOCK CLIMBING
Pedro : There is always a clamour to see home-based players in the national team, and the focus in recent months has fallen on Flamengo’s in-form centre-forward Pedro , the leading scorer in the Copa Libertadores. He was called up to the squad for the September friendlies, but he had to sit on the bench for the game against Ghana and also the first half of Tuesday’s match against Tunisia. On he came at half-time with the game already won, Brazil 4-1 ahead and Tunisia a man down. This could have worked in his favour — the game would clearly be taking place in and around the Tunisia penalty area, where Pedro is strongest. The possible problem was that, with everything decided, the intensity of the match would drop off. This was surely the case, and Pedro had few opportunities to shine. He had a couple of dangerous headers, but was hardly involved in the buildup play. But he had his moment. When the ball looped to him he met it with a characteristically well-taken volley to score a goal that almost certainly seals his place in the squad for Qatar.
FRANCE Nations League results: France 2-0 Austria, Denmark 2-0 France STOCK CLIMBING
Olivier Giroud : He became the oldest-ever player to score for France against Austria , at almost 36, and he showed again what he could do for this team. Coach Didier Deschamps is still not sure about calling him up for the World Cup squad, but at least the AC Milan striker has given him a lot of food for thought, even if he was more disappointing in the defeat to Denmark — like the whole team.
Youssouf Fofana : Despite a difficult second half in Denmark after replacing Eduardo Camavinga, it was a positive 10 days for the Paris-born-and-bred midfielder. He did well against Austria, who were very average, and he showed that he could be a good bench option for Deschamps. If he continues to play well with Monaco, he will be on the plane to Doha.
Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante : They were not there and that’s why their stock is up. Their absence confirmed how difficult it is to replace them and right now Deschamps is praying to have them both back fully fit and ready for the World Cup. Fofana did well on his debut and Aurelien Tchouameni is very talented too but they are not at the same level yet, as we saw against Denmark.
GERMANY Nations League results: Germany 0-1 Hungary, England 3-3 Germany STOCK CLIMBING
Kai Havertz : With his brace against England , Havertz gave coach Hansi Flick food for thought in terms of how to configure his attack at the World Cup. Havertz at centre forward could end up being the preferred solution in Qatar .
Jamal Musiala : Continued his trend as the German player with the capacity to make exciting things happen.
SPAIN Nations League results: Spain 1-2 Switzerland, Portugal 0-1 Spain STOCK CLIMBING
Alvaro Morata : The latest international break served to show that Morata is still Spain’s best option at No. 9. The Atletico Madrid striker capped a decent performance against Portugal on Tuesday with the only goal in a 1-0 win to take his tally for Spain to 27 in 57 caps.
Nico Williams : After making his debut in the disappointing defeat to Switzerland , Williams, the younger brother of Athletic Club teammate Inaki, helped change the game off the bench against Portugal. His ability to run at the opposition posed a different threat after a one-dimensional performance from Spain for the first 70 minutes. He also set up Morata’s winner with a deft header back across the box to stake his claim for a place in Qatar in what was his first camp with Spain.
Rodri : Luis Enrique quite clearly has his eye on a Barcelona midfield trio of Sergio Busquets , Pedri and Gavi , but Manchester City ‘s Rodri will be giving the Spain coach a headache, and he was one of the best players against Portugal. There are no doubts about his place in the squad, but can he make his way into the XI? Veteran full-backs Dani Carvajal and Jordi Alba also strengthened their cases for going to the World Cup.
PORTUGAL Nations League results: Czech Republic 0-4 Portugal, Portugal 0-1 Spain STOCK CLIMBI NG
Diogo Dalot : Scored twice in Portugal ‘s 4-0 thrashing of Czech Republic in the UEFA Nations League. Dalot will continue to be second choice to Joao Cancelo but enhanced his reputation offensively at least. Cancelo, who was suspened against the Czechs and returned for the defeat to Spain , has never really reproduced his club form with Manchester City at international level, but is still expected to play in Qatar .
Ruben Dias : Returned to the defence alongside Danilo Pereira against Czech Republic and Spain. The Man City star was effective and could yet get the nod in Qatar.
NETHERLANDS Nations League results: Poland 0-2 Netherlands, Netherlands 1-0 Belgium STOCK CLIMBING
Remko Pasveer : Surprisingly, coach Louis van Gaal selected the Ajax goalkeeper for the two Nations League victories. The 38-year-old, who made his debut against Poland, became the oldest player with at least two caps to play for Netherlands. He did very well, earned two clean sheets and made a couple of good saves. Nevertheless, Dutch analysts are 100% sure that Jasper Cillessen of NEC Nijmegen will be Van Gaal’s first choice in Qatar.
Nathan Ake and Jurrien Timber : In the Netherlands, everyone is proud of the number of quality defenders who are now at Van Gaal’s disposal. Both Ake and Timber did very well and are likely to be starting at the World Cup.
Cody Gakpo : The PSV Eindhoven star has now shown his capabilities at international level by scoring the first goal against Poland and assisting the only goal against Belgium. He is top scorer in the Eredivisie and been directly involved in 14 of the 28 goals PSV have scored.
BELGIUM Nations League results: Belgium 2-1 Wales, Netherlands 1-0 Belgium STOCK CLIMBING
Kevin De Bruyne : There is no surprise in the fact that he was once again the most important player in his team. He can’t do it all on his own, unfortunately for Belgium , as we saw in the loss against the Netherlands (1-0) and when his magic doesn’t work, not much works for the Belgians. He will need support at the World Cup, but if he gets there fully fit and on top form, he will carry this team.
Amadou Onana : The Everton midfielder has made a good start in his Premier League career, and he had a chance to prove his progress with the national team and he did just that against the Dutch with a very solid performance, despite the defeat. He is still young and has a lot to learn but he complements Axel Witsel very well.
Michy Batshuayi : In the absence of Romelu Lukaku and with Dries Mertens and Charles De Ketelaere on the bench, Batshuayi had to make the most of his game time, and he did with one goal and an assist against Wales . It was tougher against the Netherlands, and he came off at half-time but he had a positive international break.
MEXICO International friendly results: Mexico 1-0 Peru, Mexico 2-3 Colombia STOCK CLIMBING
Alexis Vega : Although Mexico lost 3-2 to Colombia on Tuesday night, one silver-lining is the inspiring performance from Vega on the left wing. Along with his goal, the 24-year-old was brilliant with his movement and passing in the final third, arguably having the best individual performance from a Mexican player in the international break. Manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino is a believer as well. After slipping up and saying that the Guadalajara player “could be a starter in the World Cup,” Martino quickly took steps back on revealing any possible final 26-man roster secrets: “Well, that is if I take him.”
GHANA International friendly results: Brazil 4-0 Ghana, Nicaragua 0-1 Ghana STOCK CLIMBING
Inaki Williams : Six years after playing his sole international match for Spain, Williams made his Ghana debut in as a second-half substitute in their 3-0 defeat by Brazil, and followed that up by starting their 1-0 win over Nicaragua. His interplay with Mohammed Kudus was one of the highlights of an international window that brought the Black Stars down to earth, and there’s little doubt now that the Athletic Club stalwart will be a key player in Qatar.
CAMEROON International friendly results: Cameroon 0-2 Uzbekistan, South Korea 1-0 Cameroon STOCK CLIMBING
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa : His value to this Cameroon side became even more apparent in his absence, with a series of would-be replacements for the rested Napoli man only serving to demonstrate how inferior they are. Beveren’s Georges Mandjeck was jittery against Uzbekistan , Martin Hongla of Hellas Verona struggled to impose himself against South Korea, while Samuel Oum Gouet of Mechelen was consistently ruffled by the intense press. Zambo Anguissa should be the first name on coach Rigobert Song’s teamsheet.
MOROCCO International friendly results: Morocco 2-0 Chile, Paraguay 0-0 Morocco STOCK CLIMBING
Hakim Ziyech : The Chelsea forward had announced his international retirement in February when it became clear that the Moroccan FA were planning to stick with then-head coach Vahid Halilhodzic, who he had fallen out with. However, a change in the dugout led to Ziyech’s return, and he stepped straight into a key role. Against Chile , Morocco enjoyed the Ziyech of old — lively, inventive, confident, and making a major defensive contribution as well. Welcome back!
TUNISIA International friendly results: Comoros 0-1 Tunisia, Brazil 5-1 Tunisia STOCK CLIMBING
Taha Yassine Khenissi : He returned to the fold in March following more than two years out of the national team, and against Comoros scored his first international goal since July 2019. A former top scorer of both the Tunisian top flight and the CAF Champions League, the 30-year-old Kuwait SC frontman should still have something to offer in Qatar.
SENEGAL International friendly results: Bolivia 0-2 Senegal, Senegal 1-1 IR Iran STOCK CLIMBING
Boulaye Dia : Now appears in pole position to lead the line for Senegal at the World Cup after being chosen by coach Aliou Cisse for both matches during this window. It was Famara Diedhiou who started the victorious Africa Cup of Nations final, but as the Turkey-based striker works his way back to full fitness, Dia was handed an opportunity to impress. His goal against Bolivia, coupled with a diligent, proactive pressing display against Iran, bodes well for his chances of starting against Netherlands.
AUSTRALIA International friendly results: Australia 1-0 New Zealand, New Zealand 0-2 Australia STOCK CLIMBING
Jason Cummings : The Scottish-born attacker made his long-anticipated and deserved national team debut as a second-half substitute in the Socceroos’ 2-0 win over New Zealand in Auckland. He then quickly demonstrated why the masses had been calling for coach Graham Arnold to give him his chance by winning and scoring a penalty within 17 minutes. Cummings and fellow bolter Garang Kuol’s Central Coast Mariners side will only face one team that finished above them in the first six games of the A-League Men season before the squad is named, giving the attackers plenty of opportunities to press their case.
Thomas Deng : Australia’s under-23 captain put in a man-of-the-match performance in Auckland, providing a reminder of the talent that would have earned the 25-year-old far more than his two senior caps if it weren’t for a number of injury battles in the past few years. Set to return to a month of action with promotion-bound J2 League side Albirex Niigata before the squad is named, Deng will benefit not just from Arnold’s desire to foster a pathway from the Olyroos to the senior team during deliberations, but also from his ability to play as both a centre-back and right-back.
IRAN International friendly results: IR Iran 1-0 Uruguay, Senegal 1-1 IR Iran STOCK CLIMBING
Ehsan Hajsafi : The only player to feature for the full 180 minutes against Uruguay and Senegal, Hajsafi looks poised to once again play a pivotal role for Iran now that Carlos Queiroz is back at the helm, after a rumoured fractured relationship with previous coach Dragan Skocic. The AEK Athens man’s versatility will come in handy for Team Melli, having been deployed in central midfield against the Uruguayans before filling in at left-back against the Senegalese.
SOUTH KOREA International friendly results: South Korea 2-2 Costa Rica, South Korea 1-0 Cameroon STOCK CLIMBING
Hwang Hee-Chan : While Son Heung-Min stole the show with a stunning effort in a 2-2 draw with Costa Rica , the fact that Hwang was also on the scoresheet would have delighted South Korea coach Paulo Bento. Hwang has faced a real battle to force his way into the Wolves starting XI and is yet to score for his club this season, so it was pertinent that he showed he has not lost his scoring touch for the Taegeuk Warriors.
JAPAN International friendly results: Japan 2-0 United States, Japan 0-0 Ecuador STOCK CLIMBING
Daichi Kamada : With Japan crying out for a playmaker-in-chief since Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa exited the international stage, Kamada is slowly but surely emerging as a genuine option. Already with four goals in just five starts for Eintracht Frankfurt in the new Bundesliga season, the 26-year-old continued his free-scoring ways with the opener in a 2-0 win over United States and could make the No. 10 position his by the time the World Cup comes around.
URUGUAY International friendly results: IR Iran 1-0 Uruguay, Canada 0-2 Uruguay STOCK CLIMBLING
Nicolas De La Cruz : The River Plate attacking midfielder did his chances a power of good with a wonderful free kick that put Uruguay on the road to a comfortable win over Canada. De La Cruz has not had an easy year, with problems of fitness as well as loss of form. But he would seem to have found his game at the best possible moment.