What are the matches we should watch out for during the upcoming international break?

Club football has been interrupted for the second time this season for an international break as many countries around the world look to secure their place at next year’s FIFA World Cup, while some will play in preparatory matches.

So far, 18 teams (including hosts USA, Canada and Mexico) have secured their places in the revamped premier tournament, leaving 30 spots still up for grabs.

Check out the matches to look forward to in this international window:

DJIBOUTI vs. EGYPT – OCTOBER 8

Egyptian Mohamed Salah will be looking to put Liverpool’s recent disappointments behind him and help Egypt beat Djibouti and qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

A win for Africa’s record seven-time champions over one of the continent’s lowest-ranked teams will give the country an unassailable lead over second-placed Burkina Faso in Group A with one match remaining.

If the country wins, it will be Egypt’s fourth World Cup appearance.

SPAIN vs. GEORGIA – OCTOBER 12

Spain will try to secure a place at the World Cup during this period when it faces a strong Georgian team. The two countries last met in a thrilling round of 16 match at the 2024 European Championship, where Spain overcame an initial deficit to beat Georgia 4-1.

Talent is in abundance in both teams, with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams leading the charge for Spain, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze could take on the attacking duties for Georgia, who are looking to qualify for their first ever World Cup.

Spain will qualify if it beats Georgia and Bulgaria in its two matches and if the other country in the group, Turkiye, fails to set a record in its matches.

JAPAN vs. BRAZIL – OCTOBER 14

Football fans in Tokyo will be in for a treat when they witness heavyweight Brazil take on Japan in a pre-season friendly for the World Cup. This gives Brazilian coach Carlo Ancelotti the chance to get his side in the mood after a sub-par World Cup qualifying campaign, in which Brazil lost six and drew four from 18 games, narrowly managing to secure a direct qualifying spot.

With stars Neymar Jr, Raphinha and Marquinhos all missing due to injuries, the match will also give youngsters like Estevao and Igor Jesus the chance to make a case for selection next year. For Japan, who were the first team to qualify for next year’s tournament, it will be a chance to earn a first win against the South American giant after losing 11 times while drawing twice.

PORTUGAL vs. HUNGARY – OCTOBER 15

Playing a record sixth World Cup will remain on Cristiano Ronaldo’s mind as his side, Portugal, face the Republic of Ireland and Hungary during this international window. Wins against both opponents, combined with Armenia dropping points against them, will be enough to keep Ronaldo and Co. to guarantee a place in the main tournament.

Moreover, Hungary will be looking for revenge after their late fumble against Portugal when the two sides met in the qualifying tournament last month. In the match, which finished 3–2, Ronaldo also scored from the spot to become the player who has jointly scored the most goals in the history of World Cup qualifying, tying retired Guatemala international Carlos Ruiz in his 39th place finish.

Published on October 7, 2025