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FIFA 16-day window begins: Messi farewell, B’desh debut

Published : Monday, 21 September, 2026 at 11:33 AM

Observer Online Report

Collected Photo

A historic 16-day FIFA international window begins on Monday (September 21), featuring Lionel Messi's farewell and Bangladesh's debut in a FIFA tournament.

For the first time in history, the FIFA international window duration has expanded to 16 days. However, several other historic milestones are awaited during this extended period.

The most significant event is the international retirement of Lionel Messi. The football legend will officially end his illustrious international career on October 5 against Benin. Argentina will bid farewell to him at the Estadio Monumental.

Argentina will play two more matches during this window against Bolivia and Burkina Faso. Messi will not feature in those two fixtures.

History awaits Bangladesh as well. The national team will compete in a FIFA tournament for the first time in their history. Coach Thomas Dooley's side will face Malaysia on September 25 in their ASEAN Cup opener. They will play against Singapore on September 28 and Indonesia on October 1.

India also stands on the verge of history as they face Brazil on October 3.

Before facing India, Brazil will play two matches against Australia on September 25 and September 29.

Meanwhile, UEFA Nations League matches will take place in Europe during this period. Top teams including Spain, Germany, Portugal, France, and England will play four matches each.

World champion Spain will take on England on September 26. They will later face Croatia on September 29, Czechia on October 3, and Croatia again on October 6.

-SA

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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury

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