It's the first international break of the year and a time when many fans bemoan a two-week shutdown of the club game, especially at such a key stage of the season. But despite the absence of Premier League, LaLiga and other major club action, there are plenty of storylines to focus on as the qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup clicks into gear and major European nations face each other in the UEFA Nations League.
It is a big week for Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and the start of Thomas Tuchel's reign as England manager, while the enlargement of the World Cup finals to 48 teams has opened the door for some unfamiliar nations to take a giant step towards qualification this week.