The final international break of the year is underway, and the fate of many teams hangs in the balance over this break's period. World Cup qualifying matches continue in South America, Asia, and Oceania, and the fate of many countries could become clearer this November.
CONCACAF’s version of the Nations League continues in North America while the UEFA Nations League’s first stage comes to a close, per its new format. Elsewhere, CAF’s qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations will come to a close this month, and the 24 qualifying nations that will vie for continental glory next summer will be decided during this break.
Expectedly, some nations already have their fate decided, while a smaller number of others have their immediate future (or bragging rights) dependent on the next couple of matches. A few others, like Israel and France, strangely, have diplomatic ties to protect. This review presents top matches in the November break to keep an eye on across all federations.
Venezuela vs. Brazil (14 November, 9 pm)
Brazil enjoys a four-point gap to those outside the automatic qualifying positions, and another victory will move them higher in the top six ahead of their clash with Uruguay next week. However, this promises to be a challenging away match against a Venezuela side seeking to qualify for their first-ever World Cup, and a win for the prospective CONMEBOL debutants would likely see them rise into the automatic qualification spots.
Greece vs. England (14 November, 7:45 pm)
England risks an automatic return to League A should they lose away in Greece on Thursday. The Three Lions will still enjoy a promotion playoff to fall back on if they can take at least a point from their two games this month. However, a win at Athens would be a minimum expectation for the EURO 2024 finalists.
Greece, on their part, has been excellent, registering a stunning win at Wembley last month. Thanks to their 100% record, registering at least a point would be enough to take them up.
San Marino vs. Gibraltar (15 November, 7:45 pm)
In a winner-takes-all event, San Marino will get promoted to the UEFA NATIONS League C for the first time if they defeat Gibraltar at home this Friday. While Gibraltar holds the same fate, San Marino would need at least a draw to keep their hopes up.
Angola vs. Ghana (15 November, 7 pm)
Ghana enters the November break with the prospect of missing out on the AFCON finals for only the second time on 18 occasions. Being five points behind Sudan with only two games to play, only back-to-back wins (and favorable results from other matches) could help the Black Stars pull through. Angola, however, have won all four of their matches so far, and look lethal to any side in the group.
Conclusion
The November international break gets into action as nations across the confederations vie to seal qualification spots or improve their standings in their respective leagues.
Ghana needs nearly a miracle to qualify for the next AFCON, while Gibraltar could get promoted to UEFA NATIONS League C at the first time of asking. Greece seeks to extend its 100% record and defeat England for a second consecutive time, while Venezuela could inch close to its first World Cup by the end of the break.