For the first time in recent years there will be just four international breaks for clubs in the Premier League and Championship to contend with this season.
Historically, the top two tiers of English football have undertaken two week breaks in September, October, November and the following March, as well as at the end of the season in June, to enable players to represent their countries on the international stage.
However, there has been a change to the structure of the FIFA calendar for the 2026/27 campaign.
The traditional October break has now been merged into the September one, meaning Premier League and Championship football will draw to a temporary halt on just three occasions.
The sub-plot of this however is that the combined September and October break will last for three weeks, a week longer than usual.
This has been done to allow international teams the opportunity to play up to a maximum of four matches during that time.
The other two in-season international breaks will feature two matches, as will the fourth break which doesn't take place until after the conclusion of the Premier League and Championship season next June.
Why is there a three-week international break in September/October?
Given FIFA have decided to scrap the October break, it means the September one will now be extended to three weeks.
The change has been made for a number of reasons, primarily though, according to FIFA, for player welfare.
As per BBC Sport, "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 were some exceptions to the previous five-break schedule, such as when there was a major tournament like the World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations or European Championship.
"The move to switch to an extended September break was approved by the FIFA Council in March 2023. The removal of the October break also ensures there will be an extra week of domestic football in the calendar."
It's not yet been announced as whether the changes implemented for this season will remain in place in future years.
When are the international breaks this season?
- Monday, 21st September, 2026 to Tuesday, 6th October, 2026.
- Monday, 9th November to Tuesday, 17th November, 2026.
- Monday, 22nd March to Tuesday, 30th March, 2027.
- Monday, 7th June to Tuesday, 15th June, 2027.
