The first international break of the 2026/27 will be a week longer than normal, with top domestic leagues pausing for three weeks instead of the usual two (or two weekends instead of the usual one).
FIFA approved the change back in 2023, and there are a number of reasons it’s been made…
Why is the September international break so long?
Previously, there were two separate two-week international breaks in September and October, but they have now been combined into one.
Player welfare was a key consideration in this move: merging two international breaks together reduces the number of trips players have to make to different continents – for example, South American players who play their club football in Europe.
Another factor was the fact the 2026 World Cup finished later than any edition of the tournament since 1966, with the final taking place on 19th July.
A notable effect of this extended international break is that there will be an extra week in the calendar for domestic football, theoretically easing fixture congestion somewhat.
When are the other international breaks this season?
While there used to be five international breaks over the course of a standard season – in September, October, November, March and June – there will be four as of 2026/27.
The October international break is no more, with the November, March and June international breaks remaining two weeks long (though June’s comes after the end of most domestic seasons).
2026/27 international break dates
September-October: Monday, 21st September – Tuesday, 6th October
Monday, 9th November – Tuesday, 17th November
Monday, 22nd March – Tuesday, 30th March
Monday, 7th June – Tuesday, 15th June
There are also three major international tournaments between January and July 2027.
2027 major international tournament dates
Asian Cup – Thursday, 7th January – Friday, 5th February Saudi Arabia
CONCACAF Gold Cup – Saturday, 19th June – Sunday, 11th July Hosts TBA
Africa Cup of Nations – Saturday, 19th June – Saturday, 17th July Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda
