With the final deadline for FIFA World Cup qualification edging ever closer, the November international break delivered more than its fair share of thrills and spills as more national teams either officially secured their place at the 2026 finals, kept their dreams alive by reaching the playoffs or saw them go down in flames.

With so much at stake on the road to next year's tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States, the break produced a plethora of World Cup qualifying drama as tiny nations reached the finals for the first time, last-minute goals produced decisive results and a handful of major names tumbled by the wayside.

Outside of the major tournaments, the international football calendar can at times be a slog for players and fans alike, with many counting the days until

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