Previews

Thursday evening at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes brings one of the most mouth-watering pre-World Cup friendly fixtures on the calendar. France host Ivory Coast in what is effectively a final dress rehearsal before both nations head to the tournament, and the quality on show from both sides …

Wednesday evening at De Kuip in Rotterdam serves up an intriguing pre-World Cup international friendly as the Netherlands welcome Algeria in what promises to be a competitive and informative workout for both sides. The Dutch host one of Africa’s most dangerous qualifying nations in a fixture that carries genuine tactical …

Tuesday afternoon at the Stadion HNK Rijeka sees Croatia host Belgium in a pre-World Cup international friendly that pitches two of Europe’s most experienced tournament nations against each other in a genuine quality test. With the World Cup just around the corner, both sides will be treating this as a …

Monday afternoon at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo brings one of Scandinavia’s most keenly contested rivalries, as Norway host Sweden in a pre-World Cup international friendly. With the tournament just days away, this is the final dress rehearsal for both sides — a last chance to settle on shape, sharpen …

Sunday evening at the MEWA ARENA in Mainz sees Germany round off their pre-World Cup preparation schedule with a home friendly against Finland. With the tournament on the horizon, this is the last opportunity for the German squad to fine-tune their approach and give the coaching staff a final look …

Saturday afternoon in Budapest delivers the defining European club fixture of the season. Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal meet at the Puskás Aréna in the Champions League Final — a showpiece occasion that brings together the Premier League champions and the dominant force in French football, in what is one of …

Friday afternoon at the Orlando Stadium sees South Africa host Nicaragua in a pre-summer international friendly as South Africa look to build momentum ahead of the World Cup. Bafana Bafana welcome Central American opposition in what shapes up as a workmanlike occasion — neither side arrives carrying outstanding form, and both …

Thursday evening at the Aviva Stadium offers the Republic of Ireland a final home outing before the summer as they prepare for next year after missing out on the World Cup. Qatar are the visitors for what shapes up as an entertaining pre-tournament workout, with Ireland carrying genuine momentum from …

Thursday evening’s international friendly at the New Administrative Capital Stadium sees Egypt host Russia in a fixture that carries the weight of summer preparation for both nations. With the World Cup approaching, friendlies at this stage of the calendar carry more significance than usual — squad depth is being tested, …

Wednesday night at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany brings the Conference League Final — and with it, one of the most compelling European showpieces in recent memory. Crystal Palace face Rayo Vallecano in a fixture that neither club’s supporters could have scripted at the start of the season. …