It feels like it was only yesterday that we were sitting through an international break. FIFA’s new-and-apparently-improved calendar is bringing about near-monthly stoppages for national teams to take centre-stage…yay.
While many fans share the fatigue expressed by concerned players, the truth is that October’s international pause does include a handful of mouthwatering fixtures to keep fans interested.
Here are nine games worth keeping an eye on before the return of club football.
When? Thursday 10 October, 19:00 BST / 14:00 ET / 11:00 PT
Kicking things off, we have a clash between two of the heavyweights of Asian football. Saudi Arabia, now led by Roberto Mancini, are looking to claim top spot in their World Cup qualification group.
To get there, they’ll have to beat current leaders Japan, who have enjoyed a perfect start to qualification. Samurai Blue have scored a boatload of goals so far, so expect plenty of fun from start to finish.
When? Thursday 10 October, 19:45 BST / 14:45 ET / 11:45 PT
Two of FIFA’s top 10 butt heads on Thursday when Italy welcome Belgium to Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.
Italy have flown off to a hot start in a group which also includes fellow heavy hitters France, with their new era going swimmingly so far as Luciano Spalletti’s side seek to forget their failure at Euro 2024.
Trending in the opposite direction are Belgium. Performances on the pitch haven’t been great and there are serious questions being asked about some of their ageing stars, as well as manager Domenico Tedesco. A poor result here could prompt major changes.
3. England vs Greece
When? Thursday 10 October, 19:45 BST / 14:45 ET / 11:45 PT
England and Greece both have perfect records so far in Nations League qualification, but that’s about to change.
The Three Lions are obvious favourites to sweep the floor with the rest of the teams playing in the second tier of Nations League football, but Lee Carsley will demand full focus from his injury-hit group to ensure no slip-ups.
4. Gibraltar vs San Marino
When? Thursday 10 October, 19:45 BST / 14:45 ET / 11:45 PT
Gibraltar are on a hot run of form right now, avoiding defeat in three games after a run of 13 straight losses without scoring, but they’re up against a San Marino side still riding a wave of positivity after their first competitive win ever.
These are two minnows who will sense the chance to snatch a rare win, so expect an entertaining affair.
5. Venezuela vs Argentina
When? Thursday 10 October, 22:00 BST / 17:00 ET / 14:00 PT
Reigning world champions Argentina are already on the cusp of sealing their spot at 2026’s tournament in North America, needing just two wins from two gamesthis month to advance at this early stage.
While they would usually be overwhelmingly heavy favourites to sweep aside Venezuela, the hosts have made some serious noise so far in qualification, losing only two of their opening ten games and taking points off Uruguay last time out. They also beat Mexico and drew with Canada at the Copa America and are a force to be reckoned with right now.
6. Spain vs Denmark
When? Saturday 12 October, 19:45 BST / 14:45 ET / 11:45 PT
Denmark may be slightly below the upper echelon of European titans, but it is Kasper Hjulmand’s side who sit top of their Nations League group after 2-0 victories over Serbia and Switzerland last time out.
Spain are playing catch-up after surprisingly being held by Serbia, but a win here would go a long way to reminding any doubters why they are reigning European champions.
7. Belgium vs France
When? Monday 14 October, 19:45 BST / 14:45 ET / 11:45 PT
Belgium’s international break doesn’t get any easier. Four days after their trip to Italy, they welcome France back to Stade Roi Baudouin.
France won 2-0 when these two sides met in the last international break, with that result sparking a massive wave of criticism towards Belgium. The hosts will be out for revenge, and that should make this a must-watch.
8. Germany vs Netherlands
When? Monday 14 October, 19:45 BST / 14:45 ET / 11:45 PT
At the same time, there’s another mammoth contest going on in Germany, with longstanding rivals Netherlands heading to Munich for another round of Nations League action.
They played out an entertaining 2-2 draw last month, sharing 32 shots between them in a real display of attacking endeavour, but both will hope to take home three points and stamp their authority on the group.
9. Mexico vs USA
When? Wednesday 16 October, 03:30 BST / 22:30 ET* / 19:30 PT
It’s a friendly in name and name alone. Mexico take on the United States in the latest round of this famous rivalry with some of the final action of the international break.
The United States are on a seven-game unbeaten streak against Mexico, including a 2-0 win in the CONCACAF Nations League final earlier this year. It’s been five years since Mexico managed to stop their foes, and while they technically shouldn’t really care about a friendly, the bragging rights from a win are too enticing to dismiss.
*Tuesday 15 October
