10 Possible Debuts to Watch in October
Each new international window brings hundreds of new call-ups around the world. This creates a unique challenge when selecting only a small portion of emerging talents to highlight. Inevitably, there are so many exciting names to discuss that, for the sake of your time and ours, we simply won’t cover them all.
For example, Leroy Jennings (26, RW, Sydney United 58, AUS) will suit up for Fiji for the first time as they kick off their World Cup qualifiers in Oceania. He featured for Fiji’s U20 side in 2016 during the OFC U20 Championship, and had stints with the LA Galaxy academy and Wrexham reserves before moving through the lower leagues in Australia. Jennings will add depth to Fiji’s attack as they challenge for a World Cup playoff spot.
So, which new faces could make a big impact? We’ve combed through over 180 squads and identified 10 new call-ups who could debut—and make their mark—for their nations this month.
Here’s who you should keep an eye on:
1. Beto (26, Guinea-Bissau):
Norberto Bercique Gomes Betuncal, or simply Beto, was born in Lisbon, Portugal. In October 2022, he was named to the 55-man preliminary World Cup squad for Portugal. He wasn’t selected, and fast-forward two years, he has now popped up for Guinea-Bissau.
Beto spent two seasons at Udinese, scoring 21 goals in total, before moving to Everton in August 2023. While he hasn’t played often this season, he made 30 appearances during the 2023-24 season at Goodison Park, scoring three goals. Beto is the first player from União Tires, a tiny community west of Lisbon, to play in the Premier League.
Tall, sturdy, and with an incredible leap, Beto positions himself well for crosses and is a deft finisher. His match fitness might be an issue, but his call-up’s real magic lies in a potential partnership with Franculino Djú up front. If they develop chemistry, they could form a deadly duo for Guinea-Bissau.
2. Mees Hilgers (23, Indonesia):
The hunt for dual nationals continues for Indonesia, with Erick Thohir determined to boost their World Cup ambitions. Two new additions to the Indonesia squad this month are Eliano Reijnders (23, RB, PEC Zwolle, NED) and Mees Hilgers.
Hilgers, a center-back, plays for FC Twente in the Netherlands, which qualified for the Europa League this season. In a recent match against Manchester United at Old Trafford, he recorded an impressive performance, helping his team secure a 1-1 draw. Having come through FC Twente’s academy, Hilgers has been a key player for the last 3-4 seasons.
For Indonesia, he is already a guaranteed starter and will likely pair with Reijnders, Jay Idzes (Venezia, ITA) and Calvin Verdonk (Nijmegen, NED) to create a formidable backline. Together, they will significantly bolster Indonesia’s defense against most Asian competition.
3. Osame Sahraoui (23, Morocco):
In September, the Norwegian FA announced that Osame Sahraoui had filed for a one-time switch to represent Morocco. Although born in Oslo, both his parents are of Moroccan descent, making him eligible. His father is also a former professional footballer.
Sahraoui’s rise has been exciting to watch. At Vålerenga, he was one of the best players in Norway’s Eliteserien before earning a move to Heerenveen, where he scored nine goals in 47 appearances during the 2023-24 season. Now at Lille, he is adapting well to life in France, recently assisting in two goals for Jonathan David against Le Havre and another last weekend.
With Morocco, Sahraoui will add depth to their attack. His ability to beat players 1v1, combined with his technical skills in passing and shooting, will make him a valuable asset that can break down opposing defenses. Norway’s loss is certainly Morocco’s gain.
4. Rémy Vita (23, Comoros):
It was a battle between Madagascar and Comoros for Rémy Vita, but Comoros won out—perhaps with encouragement from his teammate at Amiens, Rayan Lutin, who also plays for Comoros.
Vita, a versatile left-winger who can also play left-back, will challenge M’Changama (Troyes, FRA) and Abdallah (Rodez, FRA) for a starting spot. Vita developed through the Troyes academy and has played for Bayern Munich II, Barnsley, and Fortuna Sittard. He recently joined Amiens, where he’s made a solid start.
Still young, Vita’s game has developed in recent seasons, but he’s not yet a finished product. However, his confidence should carry through to Comoros, though there may be an adjustment period given the different conditions in African football.
5. Jonathan Varane (23, Martinique):
Jonathan Varane, recently signed by Queens Park Rangers in London, is a surprise call-up for Martinique. A defensive midfielder and half-brother of former French national team player Raphaël Varane, Jonathan is eligible for Martinique through his father.
Varane joined QPR from Sporting de Gijón (Spain), where he began to see more regular minutes last season. He’s made a strong start in England and will look to continue building on that momentum.
Varane brings much-needed depth to Martinique’s midfield. He’s likely to start both matches in the “Derby of the Antilles” against Guadeloupe, where he will pair with Cyril Mandouki (Gaziantep FK, Turkey).
6. Mason Holgate (27, Jamaica):
Mason Holgate, formerly of Everton and Sheffield United and now at West Brom, has been called up by Jamaica for the first time. Although not the “Mason” many expected, Holgate will add much-needed quality to Jamaica’s defense.
Jamaica has struggled defensively against the top sides in CONCACAF, but with the growing strength of their attack and improvements at the back, the Reggae Boyz are positioning themselves for a strong World Cup run in 2026.
Holgate has Premier League experience that will benefit his country greatly. He qualifies for Jamaica through his grandparents and has finally committed to representing them. Although his match fitness and adjustment to international travel may be concerns, Holgate’s talent could still unlock his potential for Jamaica.
7. Johann Marvin Kury (23, Rwanda):
Rwanda has been trying to get Johann Marvin Kury into the squad for the past year, but injuries and other issues have delayed his debut—until now. Kury, a talented winger, is quick, skilled in dribbling, and has an eye for goal, instantly improving an Amavubi side that has been turning heads recently.
Kury has struggled for playing time at Yverdon-Sport in Switzerland due to injuries, and while he may not be match fit, his potential impact for Rwanda is undeniable. His club contract ends after this season, and a move to a new club seems likely.
He has looked well for Rwanda in training already. Definitely a player we will be watching over the next 10 days.
8. Trent Buhagiar (26, Malta):
Born in Australia and formerly part of Australia’s U23 team, Trent Buhagiar has chosen to represent Malta after receiving his first call-up this month. A winger for Brescia in Italy’s Serie B, Buhagiar is one of the few Maltese footballers playing abroad and will bring added quality out wide.
Buhagiar is known for his blistering pace, sharp finishing, and excellent passing ability, which should help Malta significantly.
9. Livano Comenencia (20, Curaçao):
A late addition to the Curaçao squad this month, Comenencia is a major talent and a great acquisition for E Ola Blou. Currently playing for Juventus Next Gen in Serie C, Comenencia also represented the Netherlands U20s in 2023.
A right midfielder, he will likely be a backup to Leandro Bacuna for now, but at just 20 years old, Comenencia is poised to become an essential part of Curaçao’s future. His potential is huge.
10. Morgan Jean-Pierre (31, Madagascar):
The thing about playing for Guadeloupe is that because they are not an official FIFA member, the door is open to play for other countries you might represent. That’s exactly what Morgan Jean-Pierre has now decided to do, getting the call from “Barea” this month.
He suited up for Guadeloupe six times, but hasn’t been back since 2022. It was definitely a surprise to see his name on the callup list from Madagascar, but he could be helpful in strengthening the backline. A centerback, he currently plays for US Orléans in France after bouncing around in the lower leagues for a bit.
Honorable Mentions
Zoran Moco (21, RB, Guadeloupe/Dijon): Having burst onto the scene with Dijon last season, Moco is an exciting addition to Guadeloupe, capable of playing as both a winger and right-back.
Matías Abaldo (20, RW, Uruguay/Gimnasia): A 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup winner, Abaldo impressed at the South American U23 qualifiers and has great potential for Uruguay’s future. He’s an electric player with pace as well as excellent crossing and finishing ability.