International game break changes

[Vegas Claret]

September international breaks are getting longer from 2026, in a move that will bring the disappearance of the October international break.

The change is being made for a number of reasons.

These include the 2026 World Cup final having the latest date for a summer World Cup since 1966, with the match due to be played on 19 July.

Player welfare also featured in the discussions that took place with stakeholders and all Fifa's confederations prior to approval.

Travel considerations are a factor in the change. The reduction in breaks will reduce the number of journeys where players from one continent have to travel to another for their international fixtures - such as African or South American players who play their domestic football in Europe and have to travel cross-continent to fulfil international fixtures.

There are currently five international breaks each year, lasting two weeks each - in March, June, September, October and November.

Each break means there is no league football in the top divisions for two weeks as countries play two matches each.

There are some exceptions, such as when there is a major tournament like the World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations or European Championship.

Starting next year, there will instead be an increased September break, with no October break and a regular November break.

There will be a three-week gap for domestic matches in September and countries will play four international matches instead of two.

The move to switch to an extended September break was approved by the Fifa Council in March 2023. The council is made up of representatives from all six Fifa confederations and is discussed with football stakeholders prior to making and approving changes.

While the September break is getting longer, the removal of the October break means that in total, one week fewer in the domestic season is lost to international fixtures.

[ClaretTony]

Been showing on here for some considerable time

https://www.uptheclarets.com/friendlies-and-key-dates - look towards the bottom and the international break for Sep/Oct 2026

[Vegas Claret]

Been showing on here for some considerable time

https://www.uptheclarets.com/friendlies-and-key-dates - look towards the bottom and the international break for Sep/Oct 2026

it takes ages for the info to reach me over here

[quoonbeatz]

What a load of toss. All for cutting down the number of international breaks as they aren’t necessary but a 3 week break just after the season has started is dumb AF.

[dvalley69]

Another great idea. Do a full pre-season with your teammates, play a couple of games & then don't see each other/play together for almost a month!!

[IanMcL]

International football is out of control. Needs substantial reduction.

[Woodleyclaret]

Spot on IanMcl we need to cut out breaks to 2 games before Xmas and 2 after
Stopping after 2 weeks for Internationals needs stopping did our FA actually agree to this insanity?

[ClaretOfMancunia]

Christ. Can't be arsed with international breaks as it is.