FIFA merges September and October international windows

Starting from the 2026–27 season, FIFA will implement a significant change to the international match calendar by merging the September and October international windows into a single, extended break. This reform, approved by the FIFA Council in 2023, will result in a pause of nearly three weeks for most European domestic leagues, such as the Premier League.

Under the new system, national teams will play four matches during this extended period instead of the traditional two matches per window. FIFA states the primary goal is to reduce logistical strain and the number of long-distance, cross-continent trips required for players representing nations like those in South America or Africa while playing for European clubs.

While the change aims to consolidate travel, it has faced criticism regarding player welfare. Concerns have been raised by clubs and players about the increased concentration of matches and the resulting physical workload. For individual clubs, the impact varies; for example, Arsenal may benefit from certain players, like Kai Havertz, being rested during portions of the extended window due to squad rotation strategies used by national teams.