Why Is The International Break So Long? Premier League 3-Week Break Explained

The international breaks in September and October have been merged to create a longer hiatus. Teams like England will play four matches in a three-week break opposed to the two matches per break that they played previously.

As a result, there are no Premier League matches between 20th September and 10th October – so read on for more information before checking out the upcoming football betting odds on international fixtures.

Why Has the International Break Changed?

It can partly be attributed to the World Cup final taking place on July 19. It is the latest date of a summer World Cup final since England’s lone triumph back in 1966.

The change will lessen the amount of travel for players. It’s particularly notable for footballers that play their club football in a different country from the national team. There will be fewer long-haul flights and that should improve player welfare in the short- and medium-term.

Notably, this change also means there will be an additional week in the domestic schedule with countries fitting four matches into this elongated break.

Is There an International Break in October 2026?

The merging of the breaks means that there is not another break in October. Players will return to their teams between Oct. 4 and Oct. 8, giving them time to prepare for the resumption of the Premier League.

The next international break falls in the middle of November. England are at home to Croatia and away to Spain on Nov. 12 and Nov 15, respectively.

Is There an International Break in November 2026?

Yes, there is an international break in November 2026. This break is a standard two-week hiatus from club football, with England scheduled for just two matches compared to the four in the September-October break.

All in all, there are fewer disruptions to the league season with this new structure and it should suit sports betting punters too. After the November break, the focus is exclusively on club football until the next international matches in March.