Starting in 2026, the international football calendar will change, featuring an extended September break and no October break. This is due to the 2026 World Cup final’s late date and a focus on player welfare. While September break is longer, the total time lost to international games decreases.
The international football calendar is set for a significant overhaul starting in 2026, with the most notable change being a longer September international break and the elimination of the October international window. This decision, driven by multiple factors, promises to reshape the rhythm of both domestic and international football.
One of the primary reasons behind this shift is the scheduling of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, slated for July 19th. This is the latest date for a summer World Cup final since 1966, creating a need to adjust the subsequent international calendar to accommodate player recovery and preparation for the new club season.
Player welfare also played a crucial role in the discussions leading up to this change. FIFA and its confederations engaged with various stakeholders to ensure that the revised calendar would minimize the strain on players, particularly those who frequently travel long distances for international duty. Reducing the number of international breaks aims to alleviate some of the travel burden on players from Africa and South America who play their club football in Europe. These players often endure grueling cross-continental journeys to represent their countries, and consolidating the international windows can provide them with more rest and recovery time.
Currently, the international calendar features five breaks each year, occurring in March, June, September, October, and November. Each break spans two weeks, leading to a temporary halt in top-division league football as national teams play two matches each. The new format, however, will streamline the schedule, creating a single, extended September break while maintaining a regular break in November. The increased September break would mean a three-week pause for domestic action, with countries playing four international matches instead of the usual two.
The decision to adopt this new format was formally approved by the FIFA Council in March 2023. The council, comprised of representatives from all six FIFA confederations, engaged in thorough discussions with football stakeholders before ratifying the changes.
Despite the extension of the September break, the overall impact on the domestic season will be a reduction of one week lost to international fixtures due to the elimination of the October window. This shift could provide clubs with more consistent player availability throughout the season, potentially leading to improved team cohesion and performance.
What does this mean for the international calendar? From 2026, expect a longer September break. For example, the final round of Premier League fixtures will occur on the weekend of 19-20 September 2026 and resume on 10-11 October 2026. This enables countries to play four matches in this window.
The new international calendar is locked in until at least 2030. However, the number of matches countries play remains the same. Nations play six matches across the September, October and November windows. This will stay at six in 2026, but with four taking place in the first extended break and two in November, as opposed to three breaks of two matches.
This calendar change signifies a major shift in how international football is organized, balancing the needs of national teams and clubs while prioritizing player welfare and reducing travel demands. As the sport continues to evolve, such adjustments are essential to ensure its long-term sustainability and appeal.
