What are the key games to watch in the October 2023 international break? 2026 World Cup, Euro 2024…

As is the case every year, top-level domestic soccer comes to a halt in most countries around the world in the second week of October, with the international game taking centre stage. In South America, qualification for the 2026 World Cup, to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, is already underway, while we have passed the halfway points in Euro 2024 qualifying.

The USMNT and Mexico, meanwhile, aren’t involved in the first phase of the rebranded CONCACAF Nations League, which finishes on 16 October. As a result, the North American duo have to make do with friendly games to prepare for the quarter-finals of the tournament, to be played next month.

Euro 2024 qualifying games to watch

The 2024 European Championship will take place in Germany in June and July next year, with countries having three or four matches left to play in qualifying, which ends in November. Some, including France, England, Portugal and Scotland, could clinch their spots over the next 10 days or so, with matches left to spare.

CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifiers to watch

CONMEBOL was the first confederation to get 2026 World Cup qualifying underway, with the first two of 18 fixtures played in September. Rounds three and four will take place this month, with big hitters Brazil and Argentina, featuring Inter Miami’s fit-again Lionel Messi, expecting to build on perfect starts.

Friendly games to watch

With the creation of the Nations League in Europe and CONCACAF, international friendlies are much less frequent than they once were. However, sometimes needs must when no competitive fixtures are scheduled, which is the case for the USMNT and Mexico in the October break.