EPL to Have First-Ever 16-Day International Break from September 21

The Premier League will have its first-ever 16-day international break this season after the September and October international windows were merged into one extended period.

The break will run from September 21 to October 6, with the Premier League completing Matchweek Five on September 20 before domestic action resumes with Matchweek Six on October 10.

The new arrangement means national teams will have an extended window to play four matches instead of the usual two during the September-October period.

European countries will continue their UEFA Nations League campaigns during the break, while African nations will play Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.

Teams from the CONCACAF region will feature in Nations League fixtures and friendlies, while already-qualified United States and Mexico will also play friendly matches.

Asian countries are expected to use the period for international friendlies ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup, while several South American nations will also play friendlies.

The Premier League said the change was designed partly to reduce the number of occasions players have to travel internationally during the season, particularly those representing countries outside Europe.

Previously, the Premier League calendar featured four international breaks in September, October, November and March. Each of the first two windows generally lasted nine days and featured two matches.

Under the revised calendar, the September and October breaks have been combined, reducing the number of separate international interruptions before the end of the year.

The change was unanimously approved by the FIFA Council in 2023, with player welfare among the factors considered in restructuring the international calendar.

The remaining international breaks for the 2026/27 Premier League season are scheduled for November 9–17 and March 22–30.

The Premier League said the new international-break structure is expected to remain in place until at least 2030.