What National Team Tournaments Are Taking Place in November 2026?
November’s international break promises plenty of intriguing encounters. In Europe, the UEFA Nations League quarter-finalists will be decided; in North America, the equivalent competition reaches its quarter-finals; and African teams continue their bid to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Asia will host a regional championship as well as friendly matches, while national teams in South America and Oceania focus on friendlies. Here is a guide to the competitions scheduled for November and what is at stake in each.
Main National Team Tournaments in November 2026
| Region | Tournament |
|---|---|
| Europe (UEFA) | UEFA Nations League |
| Europe (UEFA) | International Friendlies |
| North and Central America (CONCACAF) | CONCACAF Nations League |
| Asia (AFC) | International Friendlies |
| South Asia | South Asian Championship (SAFF Championship) |
| Africa (CAF) | 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying |
| South America (CONMEBOL) | International Friendlies |
| Oceania (OFC) | International Friendlies |
Europe (UEFA)
UEFA Nations League
The main event in Europe is the conclusion of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League group stage. Matchday 5 takes place from 12 to 14 November, followed by Matchday 6 from 15 to 17 November. Those games will determine the final group standings across the four leagues.
In League A, national teams are competing for places in the quarter-finals, which will be held in spring 2027. The top two sides in each group advance in the title race; third-placed teams enter relegation playoffs to preserve their top-tier status, while the bottom team drops to League B.
In the lower leagues, the main objectives are promotion and avoiding relegation. The Nations League also has an added role in qualifying for Euro 2028: for some national teams, it could provide an alternative route into the European Championship playoffs.
November’s standout fixtures include Italy vs France and England vs Croatia (12 November), Portugal vs Denmark (14 November), Spain vs England (15 November), and Germany vs the Netherlands (16 November). The closing rounds will decide who remains in contention for the trophy.
International Friendlies
In addition to competitive fixtures, European national teams have friendly matches scheduled. These give coaching staffs an opportunity to assess squad depth, evaluate new players and experiment with different tactical combinations.
Unlike Nations League matches, friendlies carry no group-stage points or opportunities to progress to the next round. Teams use them to prepare for future tournaments. Their results can affect the FIFA World Ranking, although friendly games have a lower weighting than competitive fixtures.
North and Central America (CONCACAF)
CONCACAF Nations League
The 2026/27 CONCACAF Nations League continues in November. It brings together national teams from North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Teams compete in League A, B or C according to their level.
The main action takes place in League A, with the quarter-finals scheduled from 12 to 17 November. Eight teams will play two-legged ties, and the four aggregate winners will qualify for the finals in March 2027.
Notable pairings include Jamaica vs Mexico, Haiti vs the United States, Guatemala vs Canada, and Curaçao vs Panama. For the favourites, this is an opportunity to move closer to the title; for less established teams, it is a chance to join the region’s elite.
In Leagues B and C, the battle continues for final group positions, promotion and places in the decisive stages. The Nations League is also linked to qualification for the 2027 CONCACAF Gold Cup, giving these results significance beyond the tournament itself.
Asia (AFC)
International Friendlies
For many Asian national teams, November will be a period of preparation for their next competitive fixtures. The friendly schedule includes matches involving South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Australia, Jordan and other sides.
South Asian Championship (SAFF Championship)
The South Asian Championship also deserves attention. Held in Bangladesh from 5 to 17 November, the tournament features national teams from the region, with the winner crowned champion of South Asia.
Unlike friendly matches, this competition offers an official international trophy. Teams progress through the group stage and knockout matches in pursuit of the title. India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are among the sides drawing particular interest because of their intense regional rivalry.
Africa (CAF)
2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying
African national teams resume qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Qualifying Matchdays 3 and 4 are scheduled for 12–17 November.
Unlike the European Nations League, these matches directly determine qualification for a continental championship. Every point affects the group standings, and the November fixtures will be an important stage in the race for finals places.
Among the interesting fixtures are Ivory Coast vs Gambia, Mali vs Rwanda, Senegal vs Sudan, and South Africa vs Kenya. Many opponents will meet twice during the international break, which could substantially reshape their groups.
South America (CONMEBOL)
International Friendlies
South American national teams will focus mainly on friendly fixtures. Following the 2026 World Cup, they are continuing to develop their squads and prepare for the next cycle of competitive tournaments.
For Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia and other teams from the region, the upcoming matches offer a chance to assess young players and test new tactical ideas. They are particularly important for sides going through a generational transition or changes in coaching staff.
Oceania (OFC)
International Friendlies
Oceania’s representatives will also use the November window for friendly matches. New Zealand are scheduled to face India on 12 November, arguably the region’s highest-profile fixture during this break.
For New Zealand, games against teams from other confederations are especially valuable. They provide experience against different styles of football, while the number of opponents of a comparable standard within Oceania is limited.
Which National Team Matches Matter Most in November?
The closing rounds of the European Nations League, the CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals and Africa Cup of Nations qualifying carry the greatest competitive importance. In all three competitions, results directly shape what happens to the teams next.
In Europe, quarter-final places and promotion or relegation between leagues will be decided. In North America, the Nations League finalists will be determined, while African national teams continue competing for places at their continental championship.
The South Asian Championship stands apart, as a regional title will be awarded during November itself. Friendlies also merit attention, but their chief value lies in preparation rather than the competitive result.
International match schedules, results and statistics can be followed in the Scores24 football section.
FAQ
When Is the November International Break?
The main FIFA international window runs from 9 to 17 November 2026. Both competitive tournaments and friendly fixtures are scheduled during this period.
Which UEFA Nations League Matches Will Take Place in November?
Teams will play the fifth and sixth rounds of the group stage from 12 to 17 November. Major fixtures include Italy vs France, Spain vs England, and Germany vs the Netherlands.
Where Can I Find the National Team Match Schedule?
Up-to-date fixtures, results and statistics are available on Scores24. You can select a specific tournament or browse the general section for international friendlies.
