October International Break: What Are the Best Games This Month?

The time has come once again for international football to return to our screens. As we continue to edge closer to the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup – which will be the first with the new expanded format – there is an ongoing battle among teams to reach the Mundial in the Americas.

Apart from the three hosts, the likes of Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Tunisia, Japan and Uzbekistan are among the 18 teams who have already booked their place at the global event.

The October 2025 international break is where this journey continues for some and the qualification battle comes to an end for others. EPLNews brings you the matches from this break that would be most looked out for.

Rwanda vs Benin — October 10

Rwanda’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup remain alive, but they must take all three points when they host Benin in Kigali on Thursday. The Amavubi have been resilient at home, avoiding defeat in each of their last four matches on their own turf, and they’ll need another strong showing to stay in contention.

Benin, meanwhile, have been inconsistent throughout the campaign, winning just two of their eight qualifiers so far. The Cheetahs’ struggles away from home continue to hurt them, having failed to win any of their last six on the road in competitive action. With confidence high in the Rwandan camp and the crowd behind them, the hosts look well-placed to edge this one and keep their qualification dream alive.

Lesotho v Nigeria — October 10

Nigeria, who have been playing catch up since the start of the qualifying campaign, were handed a huge boost after South Africa were docked three points ahead of the final round of matches. While they need to win both matches against Lesotho and Benin, they need South Africa, who are ranked second in the group, to falter.

If none of that fails to happen, it will be the first time the Super Eagles will miss out on the World Cup in consecutive editions. So, whether they will make it or not, this matchday nine fixture against Lesotho is a must-win fixture for Eric Chelle and his men, and one many are eagerly anticipating.

Sweden v Switzerland — October 10

Sweden play host to Switzerland in one of the matches of the round in the European qualifiers. The Swedes surprisingly lost to Kosovo last month, while the Rossocrociati have been on roll with back-to-back wins to start the qualifying series.

The head-to-head puts it at 11-wins apiece, so it is an equally balanced encounter judging by history. The hosts have Alexander Isak and Victor Gyokeres in their attack, and they could be key in this encounter. Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka continues to play a key role for the Swiss, and it remains to be seen what role he will play in this encounter on Friday night.

Denmark v Greece — October 12

Denmark are one of the few nations to have won the European Championships before, and are gradually making their mark on the World Cup stage. After their opening teo matches, they have a win and a draw, while Greece have just three points. It is a relatively open group with the World Cup ticket there for the taking. Many will remember the Christian Eriksen incident from June 2021, but the team has grown past that, and they have continued to deliver. This is a modest fixture to look out for.

Portugal v Hungary — October 14

Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, are in top shape as the 2026 World Cup qualifiers continue this weekend. The former Manchester United man is still looking sharp in front of goal, and the ultimate desire will be to win the World Cup, as they are expected to qualify from this group. It was a hard-fought win for Roberto Martinez’s side in the reverse fixture last month, and they will be aiming to steer clear of their opposition early on. The UEFA Nations League champions have one of the most in-form set of players at the moment, and many have them on their favourites’ list for next year’s tournament. So, it is safe to say that people will always watch out for their matches.