Thursday’s international friendlies: Argentina vs Panama, Hungary vs Estonia & New Zealand vs China PR.
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Argentina vs Panama
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This’ll be Argentina’s first match as World Champions for over three decades, so expect a party in Buenos Aires.
Last time out, la Albiceleste picked up their third world title, beating France on penalties in a thrilling final in Qatar.
So, before 2026 qualifying begins in September, Lionel Scaloni’s side will return home as heroes, simply seeking to celebrate in this month’s friendlies.
Panama are the visitors and, given that they’ve won just four of their last 14, including friendlies, they could be in for a long night.
Two of those wins did come in the CONCACAF Nations League, beating both Costa Rica and Martinique at home last June.
Here, expect an emphatic home win at Estadio Monumental.
Hungary vs Estonia
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After an impressive showing in 2022, Hungary will be hoping for more of the same in 2023.
Last year, Marco Rossi’s side featured in Nations League A for the first time, and acquitted themselves very well.
The Magyars beat England twice and Germany in Leipzig, thereby finishing second in a very challenging group, just one point below Italy.
Now, their focus is on Euro qualification and, given that their group contains Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria and Lithuania, they’re big favourites to achieve this.
Will Hungary warm up for Monday’s group opener against Bulgaria with a comfortable win in Budapest?
Estonia meanwhile have never qualified for a major tournament, and that’s unlikely to change anytime soon.
The Blueshirts did at least win promotion back to Nations League C last year, victorious in all four matches against Malta and San Marino.
Thomas Häberli’s team kick off Euro qualifying in Austria on Monday, before also facing Sweden, Belgium and Azerbaijan.
Here, a routine home win seems likely at Puskás Aréna.
New Zealand vs China PR
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This friendly in Auckland is hard to call.
New Zealand are winless in five internationals, beaten by Costa Rica in the inter-confederation play-offs during this period, thereby missing out on the World Cup.
Then, in September, the All Whites played neighbours Australia in a pair of friendlies, beaten 1-0 in Brisbane and then 2-0 at Eden Park.
From 2026, OFC will have one guaranteed World Cup spot, meaning New Zealand will be World Cup regulars in the future.
That is something China PR also aspire to be, with their sole World Cup appearance coming in 2002.
This’ll be new manager Aleksandar Janković’s first game in charge, looking ahead towards the next Asia Cup which kicks off on 12 January.
Will there be a winner at Mount Smart Stadium?
