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National teams 26 March 2025, 19:36

Debuts, qualifications, scorers… Here's our look back at the March break

Debuts, qualifications, scorers… Here's our look back at the March break
The first international break of 2025, which involved a record 25 Monaco players, has come to an end. Between their first caps, qualification for the 2026 World Cup, and key players, here's a summary of the March gathering for our international players.

The final sprint in Ligue 1 McDonald’s can (finally) begin. And it’s one that comes with the record for the largest number of Monaco professional or Academy players called up, the March international window is now closed. Between a first selection and the 2026 World Cup qualifiers… a look back at this break before the return to the championship and the reception of OGC Nice. Recap 🔙

A first for Biereth 🇩🇰

Rewarded for his performances with the Rouge et Blanc, Mika Biereth caught the eye of the Danish coach, who called him up for the first time to play in the Nations League quarter-final against Portugal.

Startin in the first leg, he earned his first cap and even came close to converting his first chance after a missed clearance from Costa. Coming off the bench in the second leg, the new international was unable to prevent Denmark’s elimination after extra time (5-2), despite a 1-0 victory in the first leg.

Japan and Taki’ are the first to qualify for 2026! 👏

In the Asian zone, Japan has secured its place in the World Cup. Thanks to their victory over Bahrain (2-0) and the draw against Saudi Arabia (0-0), the teammates of Takumi Minamino, starters in the first match, are indeed assured of playing in the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, who have also already qualified.

Brazil are also almost qualified. A starter against Colombia, Vanderson and the Seleção secured a crucial 2-1 victory before losing to Argentina (4-1), a match in which the right back remained on the bench. The Auriverde are fourth in the group and now have an eight-point lead over the first non-qualified team.

Camara scores, Singo and Ben Seghir make it 2-2 ✅

It’s now off to Africa, where Senegal needed to respond to stay in the race for qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Called up by coach Pape Thiaw, Lamine Camara, Krépin Diatta, and their teammates moved up to second place with a 0-0 draw against Sudan and a 2-0 victory over Togo. The Monaco number 15 was decisive in the match, causing an own goal.

Also selected for these qualifiers, Wilfried Singo and Eliesse Ben Seghir featured for Côte d’Ivoire and Morocco. A two-time starter, the defender helped his team secure six valuable points against Burundi (1-0) and Gambia (1-0). The same goes for the Atlas Lions, who won against Niger (2-1) and Tanzania (2-0), where our midfielder participated in both matches.

Salisu and Embolo find the net! ⚽️

Both teams thus occupy first place in their groups and are getting closer to qualification. Just like Mohammed Salisu’s Ghana, who easily defeated Chad (5-0) and Madagascar (3-0). It’s worth noting that the Monaco defender joined in the celebrations during the first match by scoring from a corner.

Back in Europe, Breel Embolo also distinguished himself by scoring Switzerland’s second goal in a friendly against Luxembourg from the penalty spot, making his 75th appearance for his country (3-1). Meanwhile, Denis Zakaria played the entire match against Northern Ireland, which ended in a 1-1 draw, before coming on at half-time in the second match.

Akliouche and Michal are decisive 🔥

Following in the footsteps of Monaco’s number 36, Maghnes Akliouche also showed some inspiration. Called up to the U21s for two friendly matches against England (5-3) and Slovakia (4-0), the young star from La Diagonale made a significant contribution to the Bleuets’ offensive display against the Three Lions.

As for Lucas Michal, he scored with the France U20 team. Called up with two of his teammates, Saïmon Bouabré and Mayssam Benama, he helped his team win against Mexico (1-0) and scored his third goal in five matches in this category.

Playing time for the Academy players 👶

And they weren’t the only players from the Academy to be selected. Bradel Kiwa (90 minutes) and Aladji Bamba (144 minutes) participated in the Elite Round with the France U19s but were unable to prevent their team’s elimination, which will not participate in the Euro. Jules Stawiecki (180 minutes) and Pape Cabral (155 minutes), who played for the U18 team in the Porto Tournament, conceded two defeats and a draw, despite a goal from the midfielder.

Crédit Photo : FFF

Finally the Diablotins of Samuel Nibombé, who started twice and put 180 minutes on the clock, were also eliminated from the race for the U19 Euro finals. As for Sirak Bein, he played three friendlies with Switzerland U18, with draws against Turkey and Croatia, and a victory against Romania.

 

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