As we approach the end of March 2025, soccer fans around the world are in for a treat with a packed schedule of international fixtures. From crucial World Cup qualifiers to exciting friendlies, there’s something for everyone this month. Let’s dive into the must-watch games and key storylines to follow.
World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
CONMEBOL (South America)
The South American qualifiers are heating up with some high-stakes matches on the horizon. Here are the key fixtures to watch:
- March 25:
- Bolivia vs. Uruguay
- Colombia vs. Paraguay
- Venezuela vs. Peru
- Argentina vs. Brazil
- Chile vs. Ecuador
The clash between Argentina and Brazil stands out as the marquee matchup1. Despite Messi’s reported absence, this fixture promises to be a thrilling encounter between two soccer powerhouses3.
CAF (Africa)
African teams continue their quest for World Cup qualification with matchdays 5 and 6. Some notable games include:
- March 21:
- South Africa vs. Lesotho
- Niger vs. Morocco
- March 22:
- Sudan vs. Senegal
- March 24:
- Benin vs. South Africa
- Egypt vs. Sierra Leone
- March 25:
- Madagascar vs. Ghana
Keep an eye on South Africa’s matches as they aim to return to the World Cup stage7.
AFC (Asia)
Asian teams are also in action this month with crucial qualifiers:
- March 20 (Matchday 7):
- Australia vs. Indonesia
- South Korea vs. Oman
- Iran vs. United Arab Emirates
- Saudi Arabia vs. China
- March 25 (Matchday 8):
- South Korea vs. Jordan
- Indonesia vs. Bahrain
- Iran vs. Uzbekistan
Group C in the AFC qualifiers is particularly tight, so these matches could be decisive7.
UEFA Nations League
The UEFA Nations League quarter-finals are scheduled for March 20, featuring some exciting matchups:
- Turkey vs. Hungary
- Armenia vs. Georgia
- Denmark vs. Portugal
- Netherlands vs. Spain
- Italy vs. Germany
- Croatia vs. France
- Ukraine vs. Belgium
- Greece vs. Scotland
These fixtures showcase some of Europe’s top talents and promise tactical battles between skilled teams3.
Friendly Matches
Several international friendlies are also taking place this month:
- March 25:
- Cambodia vs. Aruba
- Russia vs. Zambia
- Azerbaijan vs. Belarus
- Sweden vs. Northern Ireland
- March 26:
- Switzerland vs. Luxembourg
- Niger vs. Bonaire
- Dominican Republic vs. Puerto Rico (two matches)5
These friendlies offer teams the opportunity to experiment with tactics and give playing time to emerging talents.
Player Watch
Keep an eye on these star players during the international break:
- Erling Haaland (Norway)
- Alexander Isak (Sweden)
- Alphonso Davies (Canada)
- Christian Eriksen (Denmark)
- Bruno Fernandes (Portugal)
- Frenkie de Jong (Netherlands)
- Pedri (Spain)
- Joshua Kimmich (Germany)
- Luka Modrić (Croatia)
- N’Golo Kanté (France)3
Venue Spotlight
Here’s a table highlighting some of the notable venues hosting matches this month:
| Stadium | City | Country | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta | USA | Atlanta United FC vs. CF Montréal (MLS) |
| VTB Arena | Moscow | Russia | Russia vs. Zambia (Friendly) |
| Strawberry Arena | Stockholm | Sweden | Sweden vs. Northern Ireland (Friendly) |
| Kybunpark | St. Gallen | Switzerland | Switzerland vs. Luxembourg (Friendly) |
| Estadio Cibao Fútbol Club | Santiago | Dominican Republic | Dominican Republic vs. Puerto Rico (Friendly) |
FAQ
Q: Where can I watch these international matches?
A: Select AFC and CAF qualifying matches will be available on FIFA+. For other matches, check your local sports broadcasters or streaming services.
Q: Why are there so many matches happening in March?
A: March is typically an international break period, allowing national teams to play qualifiers and friendlies without conflicting with club schedules.
Q: How many teams qualify for the 2026 World Cup from each confederation?
A: The exact numbers may vary, but for CONMEBOL, the top six teams qualify directly. CAF will have 10 spots, while AFC will have 8 direct qualification spots.
Q: Are these matches part of a larger tournament?
A: The World Cup qualifiers are part of the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The UEFA Nations League is a separate competition for European national teams.
Q: How important are friendly matches?
A: Friendlies allow teams to try new tactics, give experience to younger players, and maintain team cohesion outside of competitive fixtures.
Looking Ahead
As we move through March and into April, the international soccer calendar remains busy. Here are some key events to look forward to:
- Continuation of World Cup qualifiers across all confederations
- Start of the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (March 30 – April 19)
- 2025 AFC U-17 Asian Cup (April 3-20)
- 2025 Women’s Ice Hockey World Championships (April 9-20)
Conclusion
March 2025 offers a feast of international soccer action for fans around the globe. From crucial World Cup qualifiers to exciting friendlies and youth tournaments, there’s no shortage of matches to watch. Whether you’re following your national team’s progress or simply enjoying the beautiful game, this month promises thrilling encounters and potential upsets.
Remember to check your local listings for exact broadcast times and availability. Enjoy the games!
