INTERNATIONAL DIARY: Rams on Duty - March 2026 - Blog

The fourth and final international break of the 2025/26 season is upon us.

Derby County have entered the March international period with momentum behind them, having won their last four home matches in the Sky Bet Championship.

The Rams will return to action following the two-week gap between competitive fixtures when they head to Coventry City at the CBS Arena on Friday 3rd April (8pm kick-off).

In the meantime, a number of players from across the Men’s First Team and Academy are now heading away on duty with their respective nations.

Striker Patrick Agyemang has linked up with Mauricio Pochettino’s United States squad for their final two friendly fixtures ahead of the USMNT hosting the summer 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ben Brereton Díaz will continue to have the chance to catch the eye with Chile, and Ipswich Town loanee Sam Szmodics, who has scored twice in the Rams since signing on deadline day, will join the Republic of Ireland squad for their FIFA World Cup Qualifying play-off fixtures.

Players from the Rams’ Academy have also received call-ups, with Jack Thompson joining up with the England Under-20s squad for the second time, while Cruz Allen will once again head away with Wales Under-19s, and Sean Corry will be representing Northern Ireland Under-19s.

Here’s a look at the match schedule for Derby’s players during the international window:

Tuesday 24th March – Gibraltar U19 vs Turkey U19 (2026 UEFA Euro Qualifying – Group I) 1pm

Myers will look to make his first outing for Gibraltar Under-19s for their qualifying fixture against Turkey, in Antalya.

Wednesday 25th March – Northern Ireland U19 vs Ukraine U19 (2026 UEFA Euro Qualifying – Group E) 9am

Corry and the Northern Ireland Under-19 squad will clash with Ukraine in Group E of European Championship Qualifying, in Buftea, Romania.

Thursday 26th March – Republic of Ireland vs Czechia (2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Play-Off Semi-Final) 7.45pm

The Republic of Ireland and Szmodics will be fighting for their chance to qualify for the upcoming World Cup Finals with a play-off match against Czechia.

Friday 27th March – Chile vs Cape Verde (International Friendly) 3am

Brereton Díaz will look to be in action for La Roja’s first of two friendly matches in New Zealand, facing Cape Verde at Eden Park in Auckland.

Friday 27th March – Gibraltar U19 vs Kosovo U19 (2026 UEFA Euro Qualifying – Group I) 11am

Myers and Gibraltar Under-19s will play against Kosovo for their second qualifying fixture, in Antalya, Turkey.

Friday 27th March – England U20 vs Italy U20 (International Friendly) 3pm

Academy shot-stopper Thompson will head to the Riano Athletic Centre for a friendly against Italy Under-20s – the Young Lions’ only match of the March break.

Saturday 28th March – Wales U19 vs United States U19 (International Friendly) 11am

Academy midfielder Allen shall travel to Valencia, Spain, with the Cymru Under-19s squad to face the United States Under-19s.

Saturday 28th March – Northern Ireland U19 vs Romania U19 (2026 UEFA Euro Qualifying – Group E) TBD

Corry and the Northern Ireland Under-19 squad will clash with hosts Romania in Group E of European Championship Qualifying.

Saturday 28th March – United States vs Belgium (International Friendly) 7.30pm

Agyemang and the USMNT will face Belgium in Atlanta, Georgia.

Monday 30th March – Chile vs New Zealand (International Friendly) 7am

Brereton Díaz’s Chile will play their second friendly at Eden Park in Auckland, facing hosts New Zealand.

Monday 30th March – Gibraltar U19 vs Armenia U19 (2026 UEFA Euro Qualifying – Group I) 1pm

Myers and Gibraltar Under-19s will play their final match of the March break against Armenia in Antalya, Turkey.

Tuesday 31st March – Northern Ireland U19 vs Lithuania U19 (2026 UEFA Euro Qualifying – Group E) 4pm

Corry will look to be in action against Lithuania for Northern Ireland Under-19s’ final Group E Qualifying fixture, in Buftea, Romania.

Tuesday 31st March – Republic of Ireland vs Denmark OR North Macedonia (2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Play-Off Final OR International Friendly) 7.45pm

Szmodics and the Republic of Ireland’s second match of the international break will be determined by their previous result. The Boys in Green will face Denmark for the chance at World Cup qualification or face North Macedonia in friendly action.