A dozen Items for the International Break

As the final international window of 2025 rolls around, attentions turn to World Cup qualification for a host of our stars as they look to book their tickets to next summer's showpiece.

Our players from Brazil, England and Ecuador will be watching on, waiting to see who joins them in the USA, Canada and Mexico in 2026. 

As we gear up for one more break this year, let's examine who is in action around the globe and what you should be looking out for:

who needs one win to qualify?

Some nations are within touching distance of next summer's event, requiring just one win in their first game of the break to guarantee qualification.

First up is 2018 winners France, who have called up William Saliba for their two matches. Wilo's first game is against Ukraine, who sit second in Group D. Should France prevail at the Stade de France, they will secure top spot. A draw vs the Ukrainians would mean Les Bleus need just a point in their second group game in Azerbaijan to get through.

Jurrien Timber's Netherlands are also one win from securing top spot in Group G. The Dutch are three points ahead of Poland, who they face next in Warsaw, knowing a win will punch their ticket to the World Cup. 

Superior goal difference between the two sides means that even if Timber's Netherlands lose in Poland, a win at home to Lithuania should secure safe passage.

A leo landmark?

Leandro Trossard's fine form has seen him called up to the Belgium squad for their final two group matches. Leo netted against Wales in October's internationals to help Belgium to a 4-2 victory and leave them a point clear at the top in Group J. 

The Red Devils face a trip to Kazakhstan first up, knowing a win would move them four points clear of Macedonia and into the World Cup draw taking place next month.

Should Leo play in both fixtures, he will bring up 50 appearances for Belgium, having made his debut in September 2020.

Leo isn't the only one who could reach 50 caps for his nation during this break. Piero Hincapie has made 48 appearances for Ecuador, who have already qualified for the finals next summer, and face two international friendlies against Canada and New Zealand. 

Spain and Denmark in pole position

As well as France, Belgium and the Netherlands, Spain and Denmark are all top of their groups and are in prime position to reach the World Cup.

Mikel Merino has been the star of qualifying for La Roja, netting six times to help Spain dominate Group E and sit three points clear of Turkiye with two games to play and a vastly superior goal difference. Mikel is joined in the squad by David Raya and Martin Zubimendi, who have been regulars in all four group matches so far.

A win in Georgia first up would all but seal qualification, as it would take a potential 12-goal swing in Turkiye's favour to put them into the World Cup for the first time since 2002.

Over in Group C, Christian Norgaard's Denmark remain firmly in the driving seat for a place at the 2026 competition. The Danes are level on points with Scotland at the top with 10 apiece, with Norgaard's nation hosting Belarus first up before a potential showdown in Glasgow. However, Denmark's better goal difference over Scotland means a draw at Hampden Park, coupled with a win over Belarus, would be enough to finish in first position.

comeback for Calafiori's italy?

While Martin Odegaard is unavailable for Norway, Riccardo Calafiori's Italy need a Norwegian slip-up if they are to reach the finals automatically. 

Norway sit three clear of the Italians, with their goal difference 16 better off than the four-time world champions. Cala's Italy need a big win in Moldova and hope Norway slip up against Estonia at home before Italy host Norway in Milan on November 16, where only a win for the Azzurri will do if they're to turn it around and avoid going into the playoffs.

gabi back at the Emirates

While many Gooners will be heading away from our home in N5 for their internationals, one player will be in action in his usual place. Gabriel is playing at Emirates Stadium with Brazil as they take on Senegal on November 15 - grab your tickets for the contest now!

Brazil have finished their qualifying campaign, having reached the World Cup for a 23rd consecutive time, and will also take on Tunisia in another international friendly, in Lille, on November 18.

play-off drama ahead?

One of Italy or Norway are guaranteed to be heading to the drama of the play-offs, the last chance for any of the European nations to reach the competitions.

Joining one of those sides in the playoffs next March will likely be Viktor Gyokeres' Sweden. While the Swedes are currently bottom of Group B with two games remaining, their performance during the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League means they still have a chance of progression.

The European play-offs are made up of the 12 runners-up from the qualifying groups, plus the four best-performing sides from the 24/25 Nations League who failed to finish in the top two in World Cup qualifying.

On current standings, Wales, Romania, Sweden and Northern Ireland will grab those four extra places. The 16 sides will be split into four pots, with the last pot made up of the four countries that have qualified via the Nations League. A knockout system will then take place, with four sides prevailing to qualify for the World Cup.

The draw for the playoffs will be made on November 20, with the seedings of pots 1-3 based on the World Cup rankings released on November 19.