Looking ahead to the last FIFA International Break before the 2018 World Cup, ESPN Digital presents you with 10 key topics to follow in this week's matches:
Buffon back and as a great sparring partner
The Italian goalkeeper will wear the azzurra jersey again after their elimination last November against Sweden in the World Cup playoffs. Buffon's team will face Argentina and England.
Young players competing for a spot in Spain
Julen Lopetegui surprised with the call-up for Spain's matches against Germany and Argentina, including players who were not regularly considered for the national team such as Rodrigo Moreno, Rodri Hernandez, Lucas Vazquez, Dani Parejo, and Marcos Alonso. This decision left out Alvaro Morata and Vitolo, who were expected to be on the list.
Germany with important absences
The Germans will face Spain and Brazil without Mario Gotze and Marco Reus. Joachim Low explained that the door is still open for both players and their absence doesn't mean they will be excluded from the World Cup.
Brazil searching for a star
In Neymar's absence, the Canarinha will have to find a replacement for the Paris Saint-Germain player. Players like Willian, Coutinho, and Gabriel Jesus will have to lead the Brazilian team in the friendly matches against Russia and Germany.
A new era begins in the Netherlands
Despite not qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, the friendly matches for the "Oranje" will be against potential contenders in the tournament: England and Portugal. Ronald Koeman will make his debut as the coach of the Netherlands, and his first call-up includes Justin Kluivert, son of Patrick.
Ronaldo vs. Salah
A battle of goal-scoring sensations will take place next Friday when Portugal and Egypt face each other. On one side, there will be Real Madrid's forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, and on the other side, the sensation and Premier League's leading scorer, Mohamed Salah. Brazil will close their preparations against the Netherlands and Greece.
Early final?
In the bookmakers' eyes, Germany and Brazil are the favorites to lift the World Cup trophy on July 15. Both teams will face each other at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Tuesday, March 27.
Tests for Osorio's Mexico
The Mexican National Team will face two European teams in the United States. Their first opponent will be Iceland, a team that caused a sensation during the 2016 Euro Cup. They will close their preparations against Croatia, a team they faced in the group stage of the 2014 World Cup.
Ben Yedder, facing his one and only opportunity
Didier Deschamps, the coach of the French National Team, surprised with the inclusion of Wissam Ben Yedder, the Sevilla forward who caught everyone's attention after scoring a brace against Manchester United to knock them out of the Champions League. Following that performance, the striker received his first call-up to the national team, which will face Russia and Ireland.
Test for Russia
Beyond the matches that the host country will play against Brazil and France, it will be interesting to see the logistics implemented by Russia to host both matches in World Cup stadiums. The first match will take place at the Luzhniki Olympic Stadium, and the second at Krestovsky Stadium.