In a pair of mouthwatering international friendlies, the USA are in Santander, Spain, today, to face the fourth ranked team in the world while Mexico host the team at the top of the FIFA World Rankings - Argentina. Before the slightly more serious business of World Cup qualification gets underway, these two games will provide the top two ranked teams in CONCACAF a chance to display their mettle.

One of the favorites for this summer's upcoming 2008 European Championship, Spain will provide another stiff test for the Stars and Stripes. The 2:0 defeat at Wembley Stadium last Wednesday at the hands of England reversed a trend of solid results against European opposition. Having beaten Sweden and Poland this year, the US went into just their ninth ever game against England hoping for a positive performance. But it was not to be as John Terry and Steven Gerrard scored the goals that won the game for the Three Lions. Spain, meanwhile, defeated Peru 2:1, with a goal in the very final minute of the game being the difference. This will be Spain's last tune-up game before their Euro 2008 campaign gets underway next Tuesday with a match against Russia in Group D.

Mexico play host to Argentina at Qualcomm Stadium in front of what will likely be a packed house of passionate fans.  With Sven-Göran Eriksson now confirmed as replacement for Hugo Sanchez, interim manager Jesus "Chucho" Ramirez will remain at the helm for this game, the friendly against Peru on Sunday and the two World Cup qualifiers against Belize.  El Tri will be looking, in some small part for revenge for the defeats inflicted on them by the Argentines in both the 2006 FIFA World Cup and the 2007 Copa America.  In the World Cup round-of-16 encounter in Germany, the match was knotted at 1:1 at the end of normal time and it took a goal of stunning skill and sumptuous execution from Argentinean midfielder Maxi Rodriguez to send the Argentineans through to the quarterfinals - a goal subsequently voted the goal of the World Cup. The loss in the Copa America came at the semifinal stage with the CONMEBOL team running out 3:0 winners.

Finally, fresh off their fine performance against Brazil - a spirited 3:2 defeat - Canada will play CONCACAF opponents Panama in what will be the final tune-up game for both teams before the second stage of World Cup Qualifying begins. The game, which will be played in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, will be only the fourth meeting between these two teams with Canada winning two of the encounters while the other two games ended as draws.  The Maple Leafs are looking to reach their first FIFA World Cup since the 1986 edition, held in Mexico. Panama, meanwhile, have never qualified and face a tough second round encounter against fellow Central American side El Salvador.