Five things we learned from the international break

It was a highly entertaining and exciting international break, with plenty of talents from Ligue 1 McDonald's on display. We take you through some of the important takeaways from the past week of action.

Akliouche seizes his chance to make an impression

This always looked set to be an important international break for Monaco forward Maghnes Akliouche. It is well documented that Les Bleus have a huge amount of strength and depth in those forward positions, and within that context, Didier Deschamps will have to make some tough decisions when drawing up his squad for this summer's FIFA World Cup.

As a result, Akliouche, who has impressed in Ligue 1 McDonald's recently, as well as in the Champions League, netting against reigning European champions PSG, had to use his minutes to good effect. He did just that.

Doué. Cherki. Akliouche. ✨

Brilliant attacking trio. 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/F8dtNq1QtK
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) March 29, 2026

His cameo in the 2-1 win over Brazil was promising, with some nice touches and good maturity to try and retain possession and run down the clock as France looked to cling on. He was then excellent in a 3-1 win over Colombia. He started on this occasion and confirmed his newfound confidence at this level, turning in a performance that would earn him the MOTM trophy. That hasn't done his chances of returning to North America this summer any harm at all.

Šulc in the form of his life

One player whose season is getting better and better is Lyon's Pavel Šulc. Since making the move from his native Czechia, he has registered an impressive 21 goal contributions in 33 matches (14 goals, seven assists, including 11 goals in Ligue 1 McDonald's). He is becoming the key man at OL and that is now the case at international level, too.

This was a huge international break for Czechia and Šulc was up for the occasion. Having helped his country overcome the Republic of Ireland on penalties, he was on the scoresheet in the deciding game that would decide Czechia's fate.

He opened the scoring against Denmark in a game that once again went to penalties. And it was Czechia that overcame a Denmark side that notably included Marseille's Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the starting line-up.

As is the case at club level, Šulc will be key for Czechia this summer as they prepare to head to North America for the World Cup.

The USA with work to do

The outlook isn't as rosy for the USMNT. Ahead of hosting the World Cup in the summer, the USA, managed by former PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino, registered two losses over the international break, even if both defeats came against world-class opposition in the form of Belgium and Portugal.

Timothy Weah, Folarin Balogun, Mark McKenzie, and Tanner Tessmann were all involved over the international break. There is plenty of ambition, with Pochettino repeating, "Why not us?", in relation to the nation's chances of going all the way in this summer's tournament. But if they are to do so, there is a lot of work to be done between now and then.

Barco growing in stature with Argentina

Valentín Barco made his Argentina debut back in March 2024, but he had to wait a long time for his second cap. A lack of form for his former club, Brighton, saw him fall out of favour at international level.

But since his move to Strasbourg, Barco has established himself as one of the best midfielders in Ligue 1 McDonald's. That led to a recall in the summer, although he did not get on the pitch in games against Chile and Colombia.

First Argentina goal for Barco 🔥 pic.twitter.com/1llsqgGaOe
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) April 1, 2026

But Barco's form for Le Racing has been unignorable and Lionel Scaloni did give him minutes during this international break. He did not feature against Mauritania but did feature against Zambia as he came off the bench with over 30 minutes remaining.

He certainly took his chance, netting in the final moments of the match in a 5-0 win. After a false start back in 2024, perhaps Barco's story with Argentina starts here.

Endrick back in the frame for Brazil

Endrick's move from Real Madrid to Lyon in January was made with the aim of him re-taking a spot in the Brazil team. It has worked. Endrick has netted three goals and registered four assists in Ligue 1 McDonald's since making the move.

He was subsequently recalled for this international break. Endrick certainly took his chance. He didn't come on during the 2-1 defeat to Les Bleus. He didn't have many minutes to impress against Croatia either.

He certainly used them to good effect, however. With the game tied at 1-1 at the 88-minute mark, Endrick earned a penalty, which Igor Thiago slotted home. He then made the result certain, setting up Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli for a third in injury time.

With Lyon in the hunt for UCL football for next season, it is an important few weeks for the club, and for Endrick, who will look to bolster his chances of playing a more prominent role for Brazil in the summer.

>> Konaté, Thuram, Lacroix: From Sochaux to Les Bleus

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