Following their respective call-up announcements over the last week, five Chicago Fire FC players were active on the international stage in matches played on Friday and Saturday.
On Friday, defender Boris Sekulić earned his third-career cap for Slovakia in an international friendly against Norway at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, Norway. The 30-year-old played 45 minutes after entering as a substitute for countryman Martin Koscelnik at the start of the second half. Slovakia were ultimately defeated 2-0 via goals from Norway's Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. They'll next face Finland at 11:00 a.m. CT on Tuesday, March 29 at the Estadio Nueva Condomina in Murcia, Spain, with streaming coverage available on ESPN+.
In his senior Men's National Team debut, Miguel Navarro got the start for Venezuela in their 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualiftying match against Lionel Messi and Argentina. Venezuela were ultimately defeated 3-0 by Argentina on the night, and sit in 10th place in the CONMBEBOL standings following the result.
They'll conclude this round of qualifying with a home match against Colombia at 6:30 p.m. CT on Tuesday, March 29, at the Estadio Polideportivo Cachamay in Ciudad Guayana.
On Saturday, forward Brian Gutiérrez and goalkeeper Chris Brady both started for the U.S. Under-20 Men's National Team against their counterparts from Argentina as part of the team's training camp in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Brady's start represented his first appearance for the U.S. at the U-20 level.
Following a 90th minute Argentina equalizer, the match finished level at 2-2. The U.S. U-20s will next face Argentine Primera Division club River Plate on Tuesday, March 29, as preparations continue for this summer’s Concacaf U-20 Championship in Honduras.
At London's Wembley Stadium, midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri suited up for the Swiss Men's National Team against England in a friendly. Shaqiri played 80 minutes and picked up an assist with a cleverly bended left-footed delivery to Breel Embolo in the 22nd minute of the match, but Switzerland ultimate fell 2-1 following a first half stoppage time goal from Luke Shaw and a 78th minute penalty kick finish from Harry Kane.
Switzerland will next host Kosovo at 11:00 a.m. CT on Tuesday, March 29 at Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich.
Following the international break, the Fire will return home next Saturday, April 2, to take on FC Dallas at Soldier Field. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT, and tickets are available by clicking the link below.
October 7 vs Charlotte FC
Chicago Fire FC celebrated Fan Appreciation Night on October 7, 2023 to give back to our dedicated fans and their commitment throughout the season!
