The October international break is pregnant with jaw-dropping matches that should whet our appetites.
The October international break does put a pause to exciting club footballing action, but internationally there are also captivating matches that would keep us wanting more and more.
Throughout the globe, there are sumptuous matches everywhere you turn, from competitive qualifiers to friendly games.
Anyway, let’s fill you in on the biggest matches in the international break slated for October 2023.
United States Of America vs. Germany – Saturday, October 14, 2023, 8:00 PM (BST)
This is a friendly affair involving two nations from two different continents. Germany are preparing for Euro 2024 and they will be hoping to leave no stone unturned.
The Germans are looking to start life under Julian Nagglesman on a good note, the United States Of America will be a massive test for their opposition, given the quality players at their disposal.
It is unknown where the pendulum would swing, but this clash is expected to be thrilling.
Uruguay vs. Brazil – Wednesday, October 18, 2023, 1:00 AM (BST)
This is a clash involving two gigantic footballing nations, the most successful nation at the FIFA World Cup clash against the first winner of the FIFA World Cup.
These are two massive countries in the South American continent, and although both sides are favorites to qualify for the mundial in 2026, every qualification encounter matters.
Spain vs. Scotland – Thursday, October 12, 2023, 7:45 PM (BST)
Both nations are placed in Group A and they are the top 2 teams in the group, Spain sit 2nd in the group, while Scotland sit at the summit of the log.
The Scotsmen are undefeated after 5 group matches, while La Roja’s have dropped points only once, losing to Scotland on March 28, 2023.
Scotland are already guaranteed a playoff spot for the Euro 2024 tournament that would be hosted by Germany, however, they are aiming to qualify automatically for the tournament.
Egypt vs. Zambia – Thursday, October 12, 2023, 5:00 PM (BST)
This is a great tune-up game for both nations ahead of the next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations that would be going down in Ivory Coast in January.
7-time Afcon champions, Egypt square up against the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champions, and this friendly game is expected to be intense.
Netherland vs. France – Friday, October 13, 2023, 7:45 PM (BST)
This is arguably the biggest match for the October international break, and it is a Group B affair in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Both nations are previous winners of the competition, and players of both countries understand what a clash of this magnitude means.
France and the Netherlands parade some of the biggest players on the European continent, and this encounter promises to be a blockbuster.
Didier Deschamps’ side smashed the O’ranje in Paris 4-0, in the first leg of this qualification encounter, but this game will go down at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam, Netherlands and it is unknown where the pendulum would swing.
Saudi Arabia vs. Nigeria – Friday, October 13, 2023, 05:00 PM (BST)
This is the second time both nations will be meeting and it is also a preparatory game for the two nations as they gear up for their continental competitions.
Coincidentally, the first time Nigeria and Saudi Arabia played, Jose Peseiro was manager of the Asian country, anyway, on Friday, October 13, 2023, he will be in the opposite dugout.
This is also the second time that both countries with an affinity for green would be squaring up against each other, and it definitely promises to be a massive showdown.
The last time Saudi Arabia faced Nigeria was on May 25, 2010, and the encounter played at the Abuja Stadium ended 0-0.
Other matches to watch out for in the October international break
Ivory Coast vs Morocco – Saturday, October 14, 2023, 6:00 PM (BST)
Hungary vs. Serbia – Saturday, October 14, 2023, 7:45 PM (BST)
Portugal vs. Slovakia, Friday, October 13, 2023, 7:45 PM (BST)
Mexico vs. Ghana, Sunday, October 15, 2023, 1:00 AM (BST)
Norway vs. Spain, Sunday, October 15, 2023, 7:45 PM (BST)
Wales vs. Croatia, Sunday, October 15, 2023, 7:45 PM (BST)
