The English Premier League will have its first-ever 16-day international break this season after FIFA merged the traditional September and October international windows into a single extended period.

The break will run from September 21 to October 6, with Premier League action pausing after Matchweek 5 on September 20. Domestic fixtures will resume on October 10 with Matchweek 6. 

The revised calendar means national teams will play up to four matches during the extended window, instead of the usual two.

European countries will compete in UEFA Nations League fixtures, while African nations will continue their preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations through qualifying matches. CONCACAF teams will feature in Nations League matches and friendlies, while several Asian and South American countries are also scheduled to play friendly games. 

The change follows a decision by the FIFA Council in 2023 to merge the September and October international windows. The adjustment is intended, among other things, to reduce the number of times players have to make long-distance journeys for international duty.

The Premier League said the new arrangement would reduce the number of breaks between the start of the season and the end of the year from three to two.

The league’s next international break will take place from November 9 to 17, while the final one of the 2026/27 season is scheduled for March 22 to 30.