EPL to have first-ever 16-day international break from September 21

The Premier League announced it will have its first-ever 16-day international break this season, running from September 21 to October 6. This change comes after FIFA merged the traditional September and October windows into one extended period for all participating countries. European nations will play UEFA Nations League fixtures, while African countries will participate in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

CONCACAF teams will face a mix of Nations League group-stage games and friendlies, with the US and Mexico playing friendlies as they are already qualified for the quarter-finals. Asian nations will engage in friendlies leading up to the Asian Cup in January 2027, while South American countries will also play friendlies. The Premier League aimed to reduce the number of separate periods in which players travel internationally and minimize disruption by cutting the number of breaks between the start of the season and year-end from three to two.

The new calendar was approved by the FIFA Council in 2023, with player welfare being a key factor. Premier League clubs expect the breaks to feel longer due to players returning before their next match. The November international break will be from November 9 to 17, followed by another break in March from March 22 to 30, during which EURO 2028 qualifying and UEFA Nations League matches will take place.