Games you need to watch during the October international break

International breaks are often moaned about for breaking up the club-season narrative, but this month we should be in for some intriguing encounters.

The star of the show will no doubt be the UEFA Nations League finals, but there is plenty of other action to sink your teeth into as well. Across the confederations 2022 World Cup qualifying is reaching its crescendo and every point matters.

Here are eight of the very best games you should be watching during the international break.

1. Italy vs Spain, Wednesday 6 October

TV channel? Sky Sports Main Event (UK), fuboTV (US)

The first Nations League semi-final is a repeat of this summer Euro 2020 semi-final.

Italy came out on top back in July, albeit on penalties, and we should be in another absorbing game on Wednesday.

The Azzurri should probably be considered slight favourites. Not only have they not lost in 37 games, they also have home advantage with the game set to be played at San Siro.

2. Belgium vs France, Thursday 7 October

TV channel? Sky Sports Main Event (UK), fuboTV (US)

Nations League semi-final number two features Belgium and France. This is the first meeting between these two sides since the 2018 World Cup semis: a game that Les Bleus won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Samuel Umtiti. Remember him?

Both these side endured underwhelming Euro 2020 campaigns and each manager - Roberto Martinez and Didier Deschamps - will be keen to relieve some pressure by steering their team to some silverware.

Thierry Henry being on the Belgium coaching staff adds some extra spice to proceedings as well.

3. United States vs Jamaica, Friday 8 October

TV channel? ESPN2, Univision, TUDN (US)

This one will require a late night, but it just might be worth it.

The United States have made a stuttering start to 2022 World Cup qualification, drawing two of their opening three final group stage games.

Jamaica have fared far worse though, with their array of recent Premier League call-ups not preventing them picking up just one point so far.

A must win for both teams, then.

4. Turkey vs Norway, Friday 8 October

TV channel? Sky Sports Red Button (UK)

Things could not get much tighter at the top of Group G with Netherlands and Norway both on 13 points and Turkey just behind them on 11.

This makes Friday's meeting between two of these three high-fliers an absolute must watch.

Erling Haaland will unfortunately be missing for Norway but there is still enough talent to make this well worth tuning in for.

5. Colombia vs Brazil, Sunday 10 October

TV channel? Premier Sports (UK)

Brazil had a pretty strange international break last month, with their game against Argentina being postponed after health officials stormed the pitch.

Thanks to the recent changes in quarantine rules, things should go more smoothly this time around.

The standout fixture for Brazil is a trip to a Colombia side who know they must get three points to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

6. UEFA Nations League final, Sunday 10 October

TV channel? Sky Sports Main Event (UK), fuboTV (US)

This is the big one. After Portugal failed to make the final four, we are guaranteed a new Nations League champions this summer.

Will it be France, Belgium, Italy or Spain? We will find out in Milan on Sunday.

7. Argentina vs Uruguay, Monday 11 October

TV channel? Premier Sports (UK)

Argentina are unbeaten in World Cup qualifying so far but that record will be under serious risk when Uruguay visit El Monumental.

Bolstered by the return of Edinson Cavani to their squad, La Celeste go into the international break three points adrift of Monday's opponents.

However, Argentina did get the better of Uruguay in the Copa America this summer, beating them 1-0 in the group stages.

8. Japan vs Australia, Tuesday 12 October

Two giants of AFC World Cup qualifying collide on Tuesday with Japan, who slumped to a shock defeat against Oman in September, take on Australia.

Both these sides have been regular fixtures of recent World Cups, but with only two automatic qualification spots up for grabs, things are already getting a little nervy.

Australia have made a perfect start and the Samurai Blue will be desperate to end that record on Tuesday.