Friendlies Overview

Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is poised for a poignant return to former club Athletic Club's San Mames stadium after earning a call-up from the Basque Country representative team. The shot-stopper has been named in the Euskal Selekzioa squad to take on South American visitors Venezuela during next weekend's international friendly in Bilbao.

Argentina will enter their upcoming international fixtures against Uruguay and Costa Rica with a notable omission from the team sheet. Head coach Lionel Scaloni has opted to keep the legendary No.10 jersey vacant for the duration of the November window. The decision underscores the monumental impact of Lionel Messi, whose international retirement has left a void that the coaching staff is not yet ready to fill.

Gianni Infantino’s iron grip on world football governance is facing its most significant challenge yet as a high-profile Asian candidate prepares to enter the race for the FIFA presidency. Kozo Tashima, the honorary chairman of the Japan Football Association (JFA), has officially declared his intention to run for the top job in world football.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has officially ushered in a new chapter by naming his first squad since the retirement of legendary captain Lionel Messi. The Albiceleste are preparing for their final friendly matches of the year against Uruguay and Costa Rica, marking the start of a journey without their greatest-ever icon.