Story perspectives

FIFA Revamps International Schedule for Player Welfare

9/13/2025

Summary

Story summary

Starting in 2026, FIFA will extend the September international break and eliminate the October break to enhance player welfare and reduce travel.
The new schedule will increase September matches from two to four, changing the current five international breaks to four.
The FIFA Council approved this adjustment in March 2023 after stakeholder discussions.
The September 2025 international window has ended, with two breaks remaining before the 2026 World Cup draw in December.
FIFA is also exploring the option of combining September and October breaks into a single longer window in future seasons.

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Story summary

Starting in 2026, FIFA will extend the September international break and eliminate the October break to enhance player welfare and reduce travel.
The new schedule will increase September matches from two to four, changing the current five international breaks to four.
The FIFA Council approved this adjustment in March 2023 after stakeholder discussions.
The September 2025 international window has ended, with two breaks remaining before the 2026 World Cup draw in December.
FIFA is also exploring the option of combining September and October breaks into a single longer window in future seasons.