5 International Games to Keep an Eye on

Another two weeks of rest has been provided by FIFA for club football managers who have been overwhelmed by the flurry of fixtures thanks to a much-changed club football calendar across the world.

However, it is not a period of excitement for managers and fans of club football, who have had to watch their favourite players pick up knocks during international duty in recent times.

Regardless, it is a thing of pride for fans to watch their national team go up against others and triumph and this is why EPLNews is previewing the top 5 October international games to look out for during this break from club football.

USA v Panama – October 12

This game is one to watch simply because it will be Mauricio Pochettino’s debut as a national team manager. The Argentine tactician last coached Chelsea and was without a role for months despite many teams being in need of a manager. Reports suggest that offers were not scarce but his decision to coach a national team took many of his followers by surprise.

After almost 15 years in club football management, the world will now get to see Pochettino try his hands at heralding a nation’s best selection for their football targets. USA v Panama is his curtain raiser and one that many of his fans will keenly tune into.

Mexico v USA – October 15

Another Mauricio Pochettino match features on our list because it is the first big test of his career as an international manager. It is coming too soon but it could also not have come at a better time, seeing as he is managing the host nation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mexico vs the USMNT is the biggest match in North America and after he navigates Panama – hopefully with success – he will have to prove that he is a worthy national team gaffer by navigating his first big test.

Germany v Netherlands – October 14

This is the reverse fixture of their UEFA Nations League game from September which produced an exciting 2 – 2 draw in the Netherlands. The Germans will host the return leg and it promises to be as exciting as their last clash.

Both teams will be without a few key players: Germany will be navigating this tie without the versatile Kai Havertz and the Netherlands will still not have Frenkie De Jong. However, Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch has shown that he can step up and battle Germany’s midfield, which will make for interesting viewing on October 14 at the Allianz Arena, Munich.

Belgium v France – October 14

Antoine Griezmann announced his retirement from the French national team just before Didier Deschamps made his squad list for the October international break public. France have lost a big name as a result going into their game with Belgium in the Nation’s League.

France will also be without Kylian Mbappé, their captain, who has an agreement with the French national team handlers to allow him to rest and recover his best physical form during this break. A much-changed French side without two of their biggest hitters in Griezmann and Mbappé will be an interesting one to witness this international break.

Italy v Belgium – October 10

This is the biggest match of the international break simply because of Luciano Spaletti’s work on the Italian team since their humiliating exit from the 2024 UEFA European Championships earlier this year.

There is belief in the Azzurri squad and fanbase once again and everyone is looking forward to seeing how they will fare against Belgium, who have loads of promise but are still perennial underachievers. Belgium will also be without two of their biggest hitters in Premier League superstar Kevin De Bruyne and Napoli’s Romelu Lukaku for the game, making it an interesting one to witness for fans during the October international break.