Club football has paused for an international break for the second time this season, as many nations across the world look to secure their spots in the FIFA World Cup next year, while some will feature in preparatory matches.
So far, 18 teams (including the hosts USA, Canada and Mexico) have secured their spots in the revamped premier tournament, leaving 30 spots up for the taking.
Take a look at the matches to look forward to in this international window:
DJIBOUTI vs EGYPT - OCTOBER 8
Egyptian Mohamed Salah will want to put recent disappointments with Liverpool behind him and help Egypt beat Djibouti and qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
A win for the record seven-time African champion over one of the lowest-ranked teams in the continent will give it an unassailable lead over second-placed Burkina Faso in Group A with one match to spare.
If it manages a win, it will be a fourth World Cup appearance for Egypt.
SPAIN vs GEORGIA - OCTOBER 12
Spain will look to seal a spot in the World Cup next year in this window itself when it faces a strong Georgian side. The two nations last met in a thrilling round of 16 fixture at Euro 2024, where Spain overcame an initial deficit to beat Georgia 4-1.
Talent is aplenty in both teams, with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams leading the line for Spain, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze could assume the attacking duties for Georgia, which is looking to qualify for its first-ever World Cup.
Spain will qualify if it beats Georgia and Bulgaria in its two games and if the other nation in the group, Turkiye, fails to record in its fixtures.
JAPAN vs BRAZIL - OCTOBER 14
Football fans in Tokyo will have a treat on their hands as they are set to witness heavyweight Brazil take on Japan in a preparatory friendly match for the World Cup. This provides Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti an opportunity to get his side into the groove after a below-par World Cup qualifying campaign, which saw Brazil lose six and draw four out of 18 matches, barely managing to clinch a direct qualification spot.
With stars Neymar Jr, Raphinha and Marquinhos all missing out due to injuries, the match will also give youngsters like Estevao and Igor Jesus to make their case for selection next year. For Japan, which was the first team to qualify for next year's tournament, it will be a chance to claim a first win against the South American giant, having lost 11 time while drawing twice.
PORTUGAL vs HUNGARY - OCTOBER 15
Playing in a record sixth World Cup will be on the mind of Cristiano Ronaldo as his side, Portugal, takes on Republic of Ireland and Hungary during this international window. Wins against both opponents, combined with Armenia dropping points against them, will be enough to guarantee Ronaldo and Co. a place in the premier tournament.
Moreover, Hungary will be looking for revenge after fumbling late against Portugal when the two sides met in the qualifying tournament last month. The match, which ended 3-2, also saw Ronaldo score from the spot, becoming the player who has scored the joint-most goals in World Cup qualifying history, level with retired Guatemala international Carlos Ruiz as he bagged his 39th.
Published on Oct 07, 2025
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