Overview

• FIFA’s revised calendar takes effect in the 2026/27 season, following next year’s World Cup.
• The combined early‑season window will run from September 21 to October 6, 2026, with up to four matches per nation.
• November and March remain nine‑day windows limited to two fixtures, keeping overall match totals unchanged.
• During the extended September–October period, national team fixtures take precedence over club football.
• English clubs such as Birmingham City, Coventry City and Hull City note this September break as the final one under the old format.