Football: Most Intriguing International Matches to Watch
by Joseph King | by Joseph King
Argentina vs Brazil: Clash of South American titans
Kicking off our list is one of the biggest rivalries in world football: Argentina vs Brazil. With a combined eight World Cup trophies between them (Brazil with five and Argentina with three), it’s always sure to be a spectacle when these two footballing powerhouses square off.
Argentina is the big dog currently; not only are they the defending world champions but they are also leading the 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying campaign. La Albiceleste’s gritty 1-0 away win over Uruguay on Thursday moved them up to 28 points, putting them six clear of second-place Ecuador. They will, however, have to make due without talisman Lionel Messi as the Inter Miami forward is out with an abductor injury.
Argentina are unbeaten in their last four against Brazil following a 1-0 away win back in 2023.
As for Brazil, the Selecao Canarinho have moved up to third after their dramatic 2-1 win over Colombia on Thursday. Brazil now sit seven points behind their fierce rivals and would love to take a chunk out of that lead in Buenos Aires with a victory. Check out our experts' thoughts in our Argentina vs Brazil prediction!
Key information
- Channel: Premier Sports 1 (UK)
- Time: 26 March, 00:00 GMT
- Stadium: Estadio Monumental
- Referee: Andres Rojas (Colombia)
- Live commentary: Argentina vs Brazil Livescore
Japan vs Saudi Arabia: AFC rivals face off
Japan is the first nation to officially qualify for the 2026 World Cup following their 2-0 win over Bahrain on Thursday. They’ve amassed a 6-1-0 record in the AFC third round qualifying stage and sit atop the standings with 19 points. While they can afford to take their foot off the gas now that the objective is complete, third-placed Saudi Arabia is in a much more demanding position.
Japan has 12 wins and one draw in 19 matches all-time against Saudi Arabia.
The Green Falcons trail second-place Australia by just a single point. With only the top two positions granted automatic qualification to the 2026 World Cup, a result here would be huge for the visitors. Saudi Arabia is seeking its third consecutive World Cup appearance and their seventh all time. Our experts are backing a low-scoring game in our Japan vs Saudi Arabia prediction!
Key information
- Channel: OneFootball (UK)
- Time: 25 March, 00:35 GMT
- Stadium: Saitama Stadium 2002
- Referee: Ahmed Al-Ali (Kuwait)
- Live commentary: Japan vs Saudi Arabia Livescore
England vs Latvia: Three Lions hoping to feast
Thomas Tuchel will take control of his second match in charge of England after the first ended in a 2-0 home win over Albania on Friday. However, the team seemingly never got out of second gear in that contest and thus fans will be eager to see if there is any improvement here.
We’re likely to see some squad rotation by Tuchel, although big-hitters such as Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham should still retain their starting spots. Kane was on the scoresheet against Albania and as such, will be one of the top favorites to find the net on the best online bookmakers.
Both teams got off to winning starts in the 2026 UEFA World Cup qualifying Group K.
This will mark the first ever matchup between these two nations with a big win expected for England given Lativa’s FIFA ranking of 140th. Will Latvia be able to successfully frustrate an England side that is still potentially adapting to its new manager, or will the Three Lions run riot at Wembley? Check out our England vs Latvia prediction to find out!
Key information
- Channel: ITV1 (UK)
- Time: 24 March, 19:45 GMT
- Stadium: Wembley Stadium
- Referee: Orel Grinfeld (Israel)
- Live commentary: England vs Latvia Livescore
Algeria vs Mozambique: World Cup qualification on the line
Seeking their first ever appearance at the World Cup, Mozambique will feel they have the chance to do something really special here. Os Mambas have been fantastic in their first five matches, racking up four wins to put them on 12 points, tied with leaders Algeria but trailing on goal differential. With the group winners securing automatic qualification to the World Cup and second place entering into a potential second round, this match carries significant weight.
Mozambique have lost only once in their last 15 competitive fixtures after 90 minutes!
Algeria, meanwhile, are seeking qualification to the World Cup for the first time since 2014 after disappointingly missing out on the last two editions. As one of Africa’s elite teams, falling short of the 2026 festivities would be seen as a colossal failure.
Algeria won the reverse fixture 2-0 back in November, 2023 and will undoubtedly have the mental edge. However, this Mozambique side has proven that they can’t be counted out and will look to cause a shock upset in Tizi Ouzou. For the neutral, it’s sure to be a great watch given the high stakes. You can find out all the key information in our Algeria vs Mozambique prediction.
Key information
- Channel: OneFootball (UK)
- Time: 25 March, 11:00 GMT
- Stadium: Hocine Ait Ahmed Stadium
- Referee: Pacifique Ndabihawenimana (Burundi)
- Live commentary: Algeria vs Mozambique Livescore
