In 2026/27, the Premier League works around three international windows: 21 September to 6 October 2026, 9 to 17 November 2026, and 22 to 30 March 2027.
The three international windows in 2026/27
These dates come from the FIFA international match calendar. The Premier League has to place those national-team windows into the season plan before setting its own league programme.
- 21 September to 6 October 2026: up to four matchdays
- 9 to 17 November 2026: two matchdays
- 22 to 30 March 2027: two matchdays
As of 15 September 2026, the next window begins on 21 September 2026. The 2026/27 Premier League season started on Friday 21 August 2026.
Why the Premier League stops for these periods
The league does not build its calendar in isolation. According to the Premier League's own explanation, international dates for club and country go into the calendar first, then FA Cup rounds, and only after that does the League map out its fixtures.
What an international break means in Premier League terms
In Premier League use, the term means the part of the season set aside for national-team football. During those windows, Premier League players who are called up leave their clubs to play international matches.
Other international events that can affect Premier League players
The season calendar can also be affected by major international tournaments. The 2027 AFC Asian Cup is being played in Saudi Arabia from 7 January to 5 February 2027, with 24 nations involved.
Premier League players selected for that competition are required to play.
FAQ
How many international breaks are there in the 2026/27 Premier League season?
There are three international windows in the 2026/27 calendar. They fall in September to October, in November, and in March.
What does an international break mean in the Premier League?
It is the period when the league calendar gives way to national-team matches. Players called up by their countries leave club duty during those dates.
Why is the Premier League on an international break?
The football calendar is set in an order of priority. International dates are placed first, FA Cup rounds come next, and the Premier League then fits its fixtures around them.
How many national-team matchdays are in each window?
The window from September to October 2026 has up to four matchdays. The November 2026 and March 2027 windows each have two matchdays.