Five matches to watch during the October International Break

Club football takes a short pause as national teams return for the second international break of the 2025/26 season. While there’s no Premier League or La Liga this weekend, the next few days still promise plenty of excitement with key World Cup qualifiers and high-profile friendlies across the globe.

Here are five matches worth watching during this international window.

1. Scotland vs Greece — Thursday, October 9

Scotland will aim to continue their impressive World Cup qualifying campaign when they face Greece in what could be a decisive Group C encounter.

Steve Clarke’s side have looked solid so far, but Greece will be no easy opponent. Ivan Jovanovic’s men have won four of their last five matches, including a dominant 3-0 victory over Scotland in the Nations League play-offs at Hampden Park back in March.

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However, the Scots can take confidence from their earlier meeting in Athens, where they ground out a 1-0 win thanks to a late strike from John McGinn. Expect a fierce, physical battle between two teams still fighting for qualification momentum.

2. Spain vs Georgia — Saturday, October 11

Spain’s form has hardly dipped since lifting the Euro 2024 trophy. Luis de la Fuente’s side have been ruthless in front of goal, smashing Bulgaria and Turkey in September while keeping two clean sheets and scoring nine goals.

However, injuries have piled up for La Roja, with Lamine Yamal and Rodri both sidelined for the October fixtures. That could open a small window for Georgia, who sit second in Group E after earning three points from their first two games.

Still, Spain at home remains one of the toughest tests in world football. Georgia will need to be disciplined and clinical to have any chance of an upset.

3. Latvia vs England — Tuesday, October 14

England will first meet Wales in a friendly, but it’s the Latvia fixture that truly matters. Thomas Tuchel’s side are closing in on World Cup qualification, sitting top of Group K with 15 points, well ahead of Albania and Serbia.

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A win against Latvia could officially secure England’s ticket to the 2026 World Cup, depending on other results. Tuchel has emphasized maintaining focus and intensity as the qualifying campaign nears its conclusion. England’s attacking depth — with Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, and Harry Kane all in form — should make this one of the more entertaining fixtures of the week.

4. Portugal vs Hungary — Tuesday, October 14

Portugal are just two wins away from confirming their place at the World Cup, and they’ll be eager to wrap things up quickly when they face Hungary in Lisbon.

The sides met in Budapest in September, where Portugal snatched a dramatic 3-2 win thanks to a stunning late strike from João Cancelo. Hungary, however, will arrive looking for revenge after that heartbreaking loss.

With Barnabás Varga leading the line and Dominik Szoboszlai orchestrating midfield play, Hungary have the quality to cause problems. But Roberto Martínez’s Portugal remain heavy favourites, especially on home soil, and another win could seal their qualification with games to spare.

5. Japan vs Brazil — Tuesday, October 14

Fans in Tokyo are in for a treat as Japan welcome Brazil for an international friendly at the Ajinomoto Stadium. Brazil have already qualified for the World Cup, but their performances in the South American qualifiers have been far from convincing — six losses and four draws in 18 games have raised questions about Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

They’ll be without Alisson Becker due to injury, and Neymar remains sidelined with a thigh issue. However, Vinícius Júnior returns from suspension and will be keen to make an impact.

Japan, under Hajime Moriyasu, continue to impress with their high-energy football and could use this test to measure themselves against one of the world’s elite teams. Expect an open, entertaining clash with plenty of attacking flair.

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The international break may pause club action, but it brings its own kind of drama. From high-stakes qualifiers in Europe to star-studded friendlies in Asia, fans won’t be short of reasons to tune in.

Whether it’s Scotland fighting for redemption, England edging closer to qualification, or Brazil testing new combinations, this week of international football is shaping up to be one to remember.