Several Bayern players have been called up for their national teams in the March international break with crucial Nations League fixtures, World Cup qualifiers and friendlies on the cards. Find out who’s in action and where in our overview.
*All times in CET unless stated
Germany: Kimmich, Sané, Musiala, Goretzka
Germany have reached the knockout rounds of the UEFA Nations League for the first time and now face Italy in the quarter-finals. The first leg in Milan on 20 March (8.45pm) is followed three days later by the return fixture in Dortmund (8.45pm). Coach Julian Nagelsmann has selected four Bayern players in Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sané and Leon Goretzka. It’s a first call-up in over a year for Goretzka. Should Germany prevail against Italy, they will get to host the finals tournament in June, with Munich one of the two venues. Should the Italians win, then they will be the hosts.
France: Olise, Upamecano
France are also targeting a place in the summer’s finals of the Nations League. Didier Deschamps has included the Munich-based duo of Michael Olise and Dayot Upamecano for their quarter-final against Croatia. The first leg in Split is on 20 March (8.45pm) and the return at the Stade de France three days later (8.45pm).
Croatia: Stanišić
Josip Stanišić is back in the Croatia fold after a lengthy injury absence. Zlatko Dalić has called up the 24-year-old for the Nations League quarter-final tie against France, where the Bayern defender could face his two club teammates.
Portugal: Palhinha
Portugal’s João Palhinha will also be in Nations League quarter-final action when his country take on Denmark in Copenhagen (20 March, 8.45pm) and then Lisbon (23 March, 8.45pm).
Austria: Laimer
Konrad Laimer’s Austria missed out on automatic promotion to League A of the Nations League but could still go up if they win their two-legged play-off against Serbia. Ralf Rangnick’s side host the first game in Vienna on 20 March (8.45pm) before going to Belgrade for the decisive match on 23 March (8.45pm).
England: Kane
England and Harry Kane start their qualification for the 2026 World Cup this month as the Three Lions begin their new era under Thomas Tuchel with a game against Albania at Wembley on 21 March (8.45pm). They then host Lithuania at the same time three days later.
Japan: Ito
Hiroki Ito has been called up by Japan for the first time since he broke his metatarsal for World Cup qualifiers in Saitama against Bahrain (20 March, 11.35am/7.35pm local time) and then Saudi Arabia at the same time five days later. The Samurai Blue have earned 16 of a possible 18 points from their six qualifiers so far and are on course to book their place at next year’s finals.
Canada: Davies
Alphonso Davies will captain Canada as they aim to lift the Concacaf Nations League. The finals tournament is being played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The Canucks first take on Mexico in their semi-final at 7.30pm local time on 20 March. Should Davies reach the final, that will be three days later against the winner of the other semi between the USA and Panama. The third-place play-off will be held a few hours before the final.
Israel: Peretz
Daniel Peretz and Israel kick off their World Cup qualification with home games against Estonia on 22 March (8.45pm) and Norway on 25 March (8.45pm). Both games are being played in Debrecen, Hungary.
Germany U21s: Urbig
Jonas Urbig is with Germany’s U21s as they prepare for the summer’s Euros with two friendly matches, first away at hosts Slovakia (6pm on 21 March) and then at home against one of the tournament favourites Spain in Darmstadt on 25 March (8.30pm).
Bayern face Union Berlin before the international break:
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