Real Madrid international break week 1 roundup: Bellingham shines, Mbappé scares
Real Madrid saw 12 players leave for international duty ahead of the extended break and after a full week of action for their respective countries, they have impressed representing their nations.
With European sides competing in their first matches of the 2026/27 Nations League and others taking the chance for crucial minutes in friendlies, there was plenty of action to enjoy in the Madridistas' first taste of international football for this season.
With the first week now done and dusted, we take a look at how each of Real Madrid's players fared while representing their countries.
Real Madrid's international break week one roundup
Spain: Marc Cucurella and Dean Huijsen
Both Marc Cucurella and Dean Huijsen were called up to the squad of world champions Spain during this break, but only one of them saw the pitch in La Roja's first match.
Cucurella started at Wembley Stadium as his side came from behind to defeat England 3-2 under the famous arch, but it was almost a night to forget for the left back. After Spain had opened the scoring, Anthony Gordon pulled the Three Lions on level terms before Harry Kane headed the hosts in front with a deflection off of Cucurella.
That didn't matter though as Álex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal struck to turn the tables once again and win the game. Huijsen remained on the bench as an unused substitute throughout the match.
England: Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold
On the opposite side to Cucurella and Huijsen were Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who were both called up to Thomas Tuchel's England squad for this period of matches.
Bellingham played the full match and grabbed an assist when he played Gordon through on goal for the Three Lions' equaliser. He then won a second-half penalty when he was fouled by Rodri in the box, but Harry Kane failed to convert as he struck the crossbar with a powerful effort from 12 yards.
Like Huijsen, Alexander-Arnold remained on the bench for the entire 90 minutes.
France: Kylian Mbappé and Eduardo Camavinga
After their World Cup shock that saw them finish fourth despite being tipped as potential champions, France called up captain Kylian Mbappé alongside his Real Madrid teammates Eduardo Camavinga and Ibrahima Konaté.
The latter withdrew from the squad due to injury, but Mbappé and Camavinga were both involved in the two-time world champions' 1-0 win away to Turkey. Madrid's number 10 scored the winning goal, but was forced off with a knee issue shortly after, and has since returned to the Spanish capital as a result.
Camavinga came off the bench after 78 minutes to win his 30th cap and help his nation see out the victory.
Turkey: Arda Güler
Another example of Madridistas facing off against one another was Arda Güler playing the entirety of Turkey's defeat to France. Despite the brilliance he has shown at club level, he was unable to influence the result as his side fell to Les Bleus.
Netherlands: Denzel Dumfries
Summer signing Denzel Dumfries was in action for the Netherlands as they drew 1-1 with Germany in their first match under new manager Xavi.
The right back started for his nation and played the full match as Cody Gakpo netted an equaliser in stoppage time to rescue a point for Oranje.
Portugal: Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva didn't see action in the first week of international football as he was an unused substitute for Portugal's 1-0 win over Wales.
He did play in their second match though, coming off the bench late to see out a 2-1 triumph in Norway.
Ivory Coast: Yan Diomande
Yan Diomande was in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying action for Ivory Coast and he played a crucial role as his nation defeated Ghana 2-0 to set themselves on their way to next year's finals which are set to be played in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Morocco: Brahim Díaz
Morocco also set their sights on reaching AFCON finals with a 2-0 victory over Gabon, but there was no space in the squad for Brahim Díaz as he missed out on the win.
Brazil: Endrick and Vinícius Júnior
Both Endrick and Vinícius Júnior started as Brazil were shocked by a 1-1 draw with Australia. The pair were brought off after 65 minutes having failed to influence the result with the score deadlock. The Socceroos took the lead shortly after the change, but Rayan rescued the five-time world champions with a leveller in the fifth minute of added time.
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