After the long and memorable 2022 world cup, many teams are back in their countries again, and they are making preparations for many other smaller competitions that will be coming up. For first-timers, the international break is when the soccer world shifts its focus to international teams instead of clubs.
During this international break, many things would happen, ranging from playing friendly games to international qualifiers. For many other teams, this break would be used as one of the long-term preparations for the upcoming world cup in 2026. Although teams have more than three years left, only those who are well-prepared will have a chance.
Below, you will read some activities or events that will make headlines during the international breaks.
Germany to Head in a New Direction
According to the German head coach, the national team would be heading into a new part and direction after their disastrous world cup exit last year. The elimination at the 2022 world cup was the team's second successive World Cup group-stage elimination.
It was even more painful, considering the country is a four-time world champion. With these promises made, all eyes would be on Germany in any competition they engage in from this international break.
Messi and Argentine teammates Homecoming
One of the major things that would be the talk of the football world when it happens is the homecoming of Leo Messi and his teammates, who won the 2022 world cup. When the Argentines won the world cup, millions of people were expected to come out and parade and celebrate. It happened with Buenos Aires having millions of people across the street celebrating the world cup.
This current football international break gives another great opportunity for Lionel Messi and his teammates to get another parade after winning the prestigious award. The tickets for Argentina's friendly against Panama in Buenos Aires have already been sold off, and millions of people are still expected to celebrate on the street.
Ronaldo to Break Appearance Record
One of the most phenomenal footballers would be trying to break the record for the most international appearances in the history of soccer. Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa previously held this record on 196 international appearances. Although Ronaldo has leveled this record, he hopes to use this international break to move past the record.
Ronaldo equaled this record during their disastrous 2022 world cup campaign. Despite the 38-year-old Ronaldo's total international goals of close to 120, Morocco knocked them out. He will be back in the break and will hopefully break and extend his records.
Kane to Break Rooney's Record
Kane is arguably the most important player for the England national team at the moment. The striker is known for being lethal in front of the goalpost. No wonder he would be breaking Rooney's record if he scores in this football international break. After scoring his 53rd international goal from the penalty spot during the World Cup 2022, Kane came on level terms with Wayne Rooney.
So this international break, what would be the major objectives of Harry Kane would be to score more goals and extend that record in the England national team. Football games against Italy and Ukraine will be a great opportunity for Harry Kane to put more goals behind the net.