Internationals: What's in store for the stars of Ligue 1 McDonald's?
As competition starts in earnest for the international stars of Ligue 1 McDonald's tomorrow, we look at the stakes of the players in action across the various confederations, from World Cup qualifying to friendlies and more.
UEFA
World Cup qualifying is underway in Europe, with 12 groups of four teams battling for a place in North America next summer. France, with newly minted senior international Maghnes Akliouche (AS Monaco) will play in Group D alongside Iceland, Ukraine and Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain's Portuguese contingent -- including Vitinha, Joao Neves and Nuno Mendes will battle in Group F. Other stars in action include Khvicha Kvaratskhelia with Georgia in Group E and last season's striking sensation Mika Biereth (AS Monaco) of Denmark in Group C.
3 years ago, Nuno Mendes scored his 1st Ligue 1 goal 😍⚽️ pic.twitter.com/y6e9Phl3qq
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) September 3, 2025
CONMEBOL
There are just two matches left in South American qualifying, and while three teams -- Brazil, Ecuador and Argentina -- have already secured their places, five teams are battling for the remaining three automatic spots. With players like Willian Pacho and Kendry Paez (PSG, RC Strasbourg) called up for Ecuador and the Marseille trio of Leonardo Balerdi, Geronimo Rulli and Facundo Medina playing for the holders, these continental clashes will surely thrill.
Enciso and Páez. Strasbourg’s new attacking duo 🇵🇾🇪🇨✨ pic.twitter.com/aPHJfMIhIo
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) September 3, 2025
CAF
With AFCON just months away, it's the final stretch for the group stages of World Cup qualifying in Africa. In Group A, Egypt and Mostafa Mohamed (FC Nantes) can clinch their place with matches against Ethiopia and Burkina Faso. In Group B, Senegal and DR Congo are locked in a close battle for top spot and the two will face off on Tuesday in Kinshasa, with as many a dozen Ligue 1 players involved, including home captain Chancel Mbemba (LOSC). In Group D, a Cameroon side with several Ligue 1 players will face a tough trip to Cape Verde, while in Group E Achraf Hakimi and Morocco can seal their spot.
AFC & CONCACAF
While the hosts -- Canada, Mexico and the United States -- have already qualified, the final group stage games are just starting in North America. Amir Murillo (Marseille) will be looking to take Panama into a historic first World Cup, while Haiti's Carlens Arcus (Angers) and Jean-Kévin Duverne (Nantes) will also be in action.
In Asia, with qualification already settled for most of the league's biggest names (Takumi Minamino, Lee Kang-In), many teams will play friendlies, including a clash between Monaco teammates as Minamino's Japan faces Folarin Balogun's United States.
Read more:
