FIFA has officially confirmed a major adjustment to the international football calendar, announcing that starting next season, the September and October international breaks will be merged into a single window.
The new arrangement will run from September 21st to October 6th, during which national teams will be allowed to play up to four matches.
According to FIFA, the change is designed to reduce disruptions to domestic leagues and competitions, ensuring clubs no longer have to release players twice in quick succession for back-to-back international breaks.
“This consolidated window will enhance scheduling efficiency, provide greater consistency for domestic football, and give national teams a more flexible platform for competitive and friendly matches,” FIFA said in a statement.
The decision has been welcomed by several football stakeholders, particularly club managers, who have long voiced concerns about the strain of frequent international call-ups on players and squad planning.
Fans can expect a more packed international period in late September and early October, but with the assurance that club football will flow more smoothly in the weeks that follow.
