FIFA has officially approved a new international match calendar that will take effect from 2026.
The September and October windows will be combined into one extended autumn break from September 20 to October 5. During this period, national teams will be able to play up to four consecutive matches.
Currently, teams gather five times a year — in March, June, September, October, and November. Starting from the 2026/2027 season, the number of these windows will be reduced to four. At the same time, the summer and autumn breaks will be longer, allowing for more matches to be held within a single gathering.
According to FIFA, the main goal of the changes is to find a better balance between club and international football and to reduce the burden on players associated with travel and frequent calendar changes.
