The October international break is upon us and there is a fine blend of multi-continent 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying as well as the UEFA Nations League final to look forward to over the next 10 days. The USMNT, Brazil, Australia and England are all in action as they bid to reach Qatar, while European champions Italy are up against Spain, Belgium, and France for the Nations League title. CONCACAF (including USMNT away matches) and AFC World Cup qualifying matches can be streamed with Paramount+.
Now let’s look at a few of our viewing picks.
7. Italy vs. Spain
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 6 | Time: 2:45 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN | Live stream: fuboTV (try for free)
Caesars Sportsbook odds: Italy +125 | Draw +210 | Spain +225
Why watch: The first Nations League final four clash will afford us the opportunity to see the European champions and hosts going up against the team they beat in the semifinals on their way to this summer’s continental crown.
6. Belgium vs. France
Date: Thursday, Oct. 7 | Time: 2:45 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN | Live stream: fuboTV (try for free)
Caesars Sportsbook odds: Belgium +200 | Draw +220 | France +138
Why watch: It is rarely dull when these neighbors meet, and both will view the Nations League as an opportunity to atone for this summer’s Euro disappointment with a mouthwatering potential final against Italy or Spain for the winner.
5. USMNT vs. Jamaica
Date: Thursday, Oct. 5 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN2 | Live stream: fuboTV (try for free)
Caesars Sportsbook Odds: USMNT -300 | Draw +360 | Jamaica +850
Why watch: The USMNT are under pressure to deliver after a slow start to qualification and Jamaica is the first of what should be considered three cup finals for Gregg Berhalter and his men with Panama and Costa Rica the other two.
4. Colombia vs. Brazil
Date: Sunday, Oct. 10 | Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
TV: Univision | Live stream: fuboTV (try for free)
Caesars Sportsbook Odds: TBD
Why watch: The South American qualifiers were wildly chaotic last time out and Brazil’s abandoned clash with Argentina was the farcical low point, so hopefully there will be none of that mayhem and just an enthralling clash with a Colombian side desperate to remain in contention.
3. Japan vs. Australia
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 12 | Time: 6:14 a.m. ET
TV/live stream: Paramount+
Caesars Sportsbook Odds: TBD
Why watch: Two of Asia’s powerhouse nations going up against each other will always make for attractive viewing and even more so given that the Japanese have made a slow start which could endanger their qualification.
2. England vs. Hungary
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 12 | Time: 2:45 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN | Live stream: fuboTV (try for free)
Ceasars Sportsbook Odds: TBD
Why watch: Arguably the pick of the European qualification matches this one and perhaps a final chance for the Magyars to claw back some ground in Group I as the Three Lions’ march toward Qatar continues.
1. UEFA Nations League final
Date: Sunday, Oct. 10 | Time: 2:45 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN | Live stream: fuboTV (try for free)
Caesars Sportsbook Odds: TBD
Why watch: Whoever wins between Italy-Spain and Belgium-France will produce a Nations League final worth watching and it promises to be the highlight of these October internationals whoever is involved.
Honorable mentions
Friday, Oct. 8: Turkey vs. Norway, 2:45 p.m. (ESPN)
Sunday, Oct. 10: UEFA Nations League third place play-off, 9:00 a.m. (ESPN)
Monday, Oct. 11: North Macedonia vs. Germany, 2:45 p.m. (ESPN)
Tuesday, Oct. 12: Denmark vs. Austria, 2:45 p.m. (ESPN)
