Weeks before the start of the 2026 World Cup, a unique drama unfolds on the planet's fields. This is the time for friendly matches. For some teams, it's the last rehearsal before the main tournament of the four-year cycle. For others, it's a chance to secure a spot in the squad, find their game, or, conversely, hide their cards from future opponents. Friendly matches are not just "football for the sake of it." They are a testing ground for tactics, psychology, and selection. Calendar and FIFA Window Before each World Cup, FIFA allocates a special window for international matches — usually the end of May and the beginning of June. In 2026, when the tournament starts on June 11, the window for friendly matches falls on the last week of May and the first days of June. At this time, coaches can call up players without conflict with clubs. Teams play two, sometimes three matches. Their task is to work on connections, test newcomers, and also please fans on their home territory. Tactical Tasks Coaches use friendly matches to work on schemes that they would not risk using in official games. For example, France may try playing with three central defenders. Brazil — to field experimental youth in attack. Germany — to test the goalkeeper line. But there is also the other side: the best coaches know how to "drown out" information. In friendly matches, they may deliberately play with a second-string team or use uncharacteristic tactical moves to mislead spies. A classic move is to combine "intelligence gathering by combat" with showy carelessness. Injuries and Risks The worst nightmare before a championship is an injury to a leader in a friendly match. History knows many examples. In 2022, before the World Cup in Qatar, Sadio Mane was ruled out due to an injury. In 2026, coaches will be extremely cautious: stars may play only one half, or even come on as substitutes for 15 minutes. However, a friendly match is still a match, and no one can guarantee 100% safety. There ... Read more