"September international breaks are getting longer from 2026, in a move that will bring the disappearance of the October international break. The change is being made for a number of reasons. These include the 2026 World Cup final having the latest date for a summer World Cup since 1966, with the match due to be played on 19 July. Player welfare also featured in the discussions that took place with stakeholders and all Fifa's confederations prior to approval."
"Travel considerations are a factor in the change. The reduction in breaks will reduce the number of journeys where players from one continent have to travel to another for their international fixtures - such as African or South American players who play their domestic football in Europe and have to travel cross-continent to fulfil international fixtures. There are currently five international breaks each year, lasting two weeks each - in March, June, September, October and November."
"There will be a three-week gap for domestic matches in September and countries will play four international matches instead of two. The move to switch to an extended September break was approved by the Fifa Council in March 2023. The council is made up of representatives from all six Fifa confederations and is discussed with football stakeholders prior to making and approving changes."
From 2026, the September international break will be extended and the October break removed, reducing the number of domestic weeks lost to international fixtures by one. The change responds to the late July date of the 2026 World Cup final, player-welfare concerns, and travel considerations for players crossing continents for international duty. Currently five two-week international breaks occur annually (March, June, September, October, November); the new schedule increases September to three weeks with four matches played and retains a regular November break. The Fifa Council approved the switch in March 2023 following consultation with confederations and stakeholders.
Read at www.bbc.com
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