It’s the final international break of the year — and for many nations, it’s decision time.

In this episode, Rollo sets the stage for the crucial World Cup qualifying matches happening from Thursday to Saturday, explaining what’s at stake across every continent.

We start with a few big news items — including a major change to the World Cup draw that could benefit top-ranked playoff teams like Italy, and a look at the expanded U17 World Cup format that might actually make knockout stages more exciting.

Then, it’s onto the action:

🌍 The playoff battles in Africa and Asia that will send two teams to the intercontinental playoff.

🇺🇸 The decisive final rounds in CONCACAF, with three direct qualifying spots and two playoff berths on the line.

🇪🇺 And, of course, a full UEFA Qualifier Preview, from Thursday’s France–Ukraine headline match to Saturday’s crucial Austria fixtures that could seal qualification.

There’s also a dose of Barcelona drama — Messi’s visit to Camp Nou and Lamine Yamal’s medical saga — plus a touch of personal perspective as Rollo reflects on the nervous excitement surrounding Austria’s campaign.

🎙️ It’s all building up to a massive few days in international football.

Use this RSS Link to never miss an episode in your favorite podcast app: https://anchor.fm/s/f9d49078/podcast/rss

You can also find me on YouTube: @MySoccerUniverseFootballTalk

Also, check out my main Youtube channel @MySoccerUniverse

If you want to hear my takes on the Austrian Bundesliga in general, and my team LASK in particular and understand German, you can subscribe to my other podcast, too: @MeinLASKUniversum or https://anchor.fm/s/107a5b448/podcast/rss

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00:00 Intro – Welcome to the Final International Break

01:40 Major Change to the World Cup Draw Explained

03:36 The U17 World Cup Format That Actually Works

05:00 Messi Returns to Camp Nou – Argentina in Barcelona

06:25 Lamine Yamal Injury Saga Continues

08:02 Africa & Asia Playoffs – Who Reaches the Intercontinental Stage?

09:33 CONCACAF Qualifiers – Final Spots Up for Grabs

10:50 UEFA Qualifiers – Thursday’s Matches Preview

11:41 UEFA Qualifiers – Friday’s Key Clashes (Poland vs Netherlands)

12:54 Austria’s Group – Stakes, Nerves, and Qualification Chances

15:30 Saturday’s Deciders – Europe’s Final Big Night

16:35 Wrap-Up – Looking Ahead & Reflections