Internationals: What's ahead for European players?

There'll be no Ligue 1 McDonald's action this week as the international break comes into full flow, but there is still plenty at stake with the FIFA 2026 World Cup play-offs on the horizon. Several Ligue 1 talents will be involved in both over the week and the weekend.

FIFA World Cup 2026 play-offs on Thursday

It will be the decisive moment for several Ligue 1 players involved in play-off action midweek. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Denmark will be facing North Macedonia, whilst Stade Rennais midfielder Symanski is in Poland's squad to face Albania and Paris FC's Diego Coppola looks set to feature for Italy against Northern Ireland.

International friendlies

Thursday night will also see several prestigious friendlies, including the beginning of France's tour in the United States with a test against Brazil the highlight of this week's international action. Les Bleus' PSG contingent will be facing Olympique Lyonnais' Brazilian ace Endrick and PSG's Marquinhos at the Gillette Stadium in Boston, just three months away from the beginning of this Summer's World Cup. Les Bleus will then face Colombia several days later. Meanwhile, Portugal's Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, and Vitinha will be involved in two international friendlies against Mexico and the United States with Timothy Weah and Weston Mckenie. The stars and stripes will be facing Belgium before, who have called up Saint-Étienne forward Lucas Stassin.

Key fixtures to look out for

Denmark vs North Macedonia

Poland vs Albania

Italy vs Northern Ireland

France vs Brazil

France vs Colmbia

Portugal vs Mexico

United States vs Portugal

United States vs Belgium

Mexico vs Belgium