As the Premier League pauses for the October international break, attention shifts from the London Stadium to multiple different stadiums across the globe, where West Ham United players dawn their nations colours for another fortnight.
With nine players absent from Rush Green as they set off on international duty, we take a look into whom specifically are away playing on the international stage, and where, when, and who they are up against in their respective competitions.
Mads Hermansen – Denmark
Despite a tough start to life in East London for the former Leicester City no.1, whom has only started 4 matches for the Hammers since signing in the Summer transfer window for a fee of £25 million, the young Danish talent has yet again been called up to represent his country in Denmark’s upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Yet to make his first professional senior appearance for his country, however, the new Danish Hammer will face a lot of competition for a place in the starting XI – challenging alongside the infamous Kasper Schmeichel and Chelsea’s own Filip Jorgensen.
Currently sitting top of Group C in the qualifiers, both Denmark and Hermansen will face Belarus and Greece in the race for World Cup qualification next summer.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – DR Congo
Much like former West Ham United striker Michail Antonio, Aaron Wan-Bissaka recently chose to switch his own national allegiance from English to African – now representing his African nation, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo)
Missing four out of the eight matches that the Hammers have played so far this season due to a long-term stomach bug, Wan-Bissaka will be pleased to return to both his parent club and national side after a sensational debut season in a West Ham shirt throughout the 24/25 campaign.
Just coming short of grabbing a point against Senegal last time out in their battle to grab qualification for the 2026 World Cup – losing 3-2 thanks to a late goal from Tottenham Hotspur’s Pape Matar Sarr in the 87th minute – the African side will face both Togo and Sudan in the coming days.
El Hadji Malick Diouf - Senegal
Another player whom starred in that match was fellow African Hammer Malick Diouf for Senegal.
Already registering 3 assists in his Premier League debut season for the Hammers, the Senegalese international has proven how dangerous and effective he can be down the left flank and up against defenders.
Hoping to confirm themselves a place in next summers 2026 World Cup, Diouf’s Senegal have two ‘must win’ games against South Sudan - on Friday - and Mauritania - on Tuesday.
Konstantinos Mavropanos – Greece
Arguably the Hammers’ best centre-back thus far this season, the Greek international has earnt himself yet again another well-deserved international call up.
Looking to add to his already 38 well-earnt international caps, it should be to no surprise if the Greek Hammer starts both of his country’s upcoming World Cup Qualifier fixtures against Scotland and Denmark.
Already having faced a fellow West Ham United teammate in Jarrod Bowen when the Greeks welcomed the Three Lions to the Athens in a 3-0 victory for Thomas Tuchel’s side, Mavropanos shall be up against another Premier League comrade in Denmark’s own Mads Hermansen – who will most likely be watching from the sidelines.
Jarrod Bowen – England
Aiming to add to his already 17 international caps for England, West Ham United skipper Jarrod Bowen has deservedly kept his place in Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions squad.
Starting the season off very strongly - scoring 3 goals in 7 appearances and registering an assist away at the Molineux in a 3-2 defeat to Wolves in the Carabao Cup - the Irons star man will be hoping to add to his 1 international goal scored last November in a 5-0 victory over Ireland.
Welcoming Wales to the cathedral of football, Wembley Stadium,in a friendly match tonight, the Three Lions then continue their journey to World Cup qualification away in Latvia on Tuesday.
Tomas Soucek – Czechia
Absent from the Irons’ last 3 matches due to suspension after receiving a foolish red card against Tottenham Hotspur last month, the Hammers midfielder returns to the pitch on the international stage, captaining his country once again.
Currently sitting just one place below top of the table in Group L of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, Soucek’s side will be looking ahead of their match against the 2018 World Cup finalists, Croatia, whom sit pretty at top of the table and level on points with the Czech national team.
Once having played the Croat’s, both Soucek and the rest of the Czechia national team will travel to Torshavn to face 3rd place Faroe Islands. Currently sitting on 6 points with 2 wins out of 2, a ‘must need’ to see themselves having a chance to make it to the United States next summer.
Having scored 9 goals and registering 1 assist last season for the Hammers, the Czech skipper will be looking to add to his goalscoring chart, only this time on the international stage.
Lucas Paqueta – Brazil
Having been absent from the action on the international stage for nearly two years due to controversy off the pitch in regards to the Brazilian’s betting accusations against him, Lucas Paqueta has yet again made the cut for Ancelotti’s 26-man squad.
Already registering 3 goals in Claret & Blue so far this season, the Iron’s no.10 will be looking to add to his goal tally – already scoring once for Brazil back in September against Chile in a 3-0 victory for the South American kings.
Having already secured a spot at next years FIFA 2026 World Cup, alongside his teammates, Paqueta will travel to East Asia for two friendlies’ against South Korea and Japan.
Mateus Fernandes – Portugal U21’s
A new addition to the West Ham United squad this season, the former Southampton midfielder has earnt himself a call up to represent his national side at the Under-21’s level.
Already earning 18 caps in total, the Portuguese no.18 has already captained his national side at the U21’s level but was unfortunately sent off last time out against Scotland in 2-0 victory in September after receiving two bookings throughout his time on the pitch.
Welcoming Bulgaria on Friday, 10th October, and then travelling away to Gibraltar just 4 days later on the Tuesday, Fernandes’ side will be hoping to continue their flying start to their UEFA Euro U-21’s campaign.
Callum Marshall - Northern Ireland
Making his Premier League debut against Arsenal over the weekend, the young forward Callum Marshall will continue his footballing travels with his national team, Northern Ireland.
With 12 senior caps already to his name, the young talent will be hoping to gain some extra minutes in the tank coming up against both Slovakia and Germany in group A of the World Cup Qualifiers.
