Why is the international break longer? Schedule change and Premier League return date explained

International football takes centre stage for the next three weeks in what is an extended break for the Premier League and other top domestic divisions.

It's set to be a busy period for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, who will play four times in less than a fortnight to kick off a new Nations League campaign.

There is plenty of intrigue in the first set of international fixtures since this summer's World Cup and some eye-catching clashes, including the Three Lions taking on world champions Spain and Craig Bellamy's Wales side travelling to Portugal.

But even so, the international break is likely to prove unpopular among many fans of the beautiful game – particularly those whose club play in one of the leagues currently on pause.

Every year, supporters are left frustrated by the interruptions to the domestic schedule and this time they'll have to wait even longer for normal service to resume.

But why is the international break longer? And when does the Premier League return? Radio Times has all the answers.

The longer international break is a result of a change to the international schedule from 2026/27 onwards, which was unanimously approved by the FIFA Council in 2023.

The separate two-week breaks in September and October, which each included two fixtures, have been merged into one 16-day break, which includes four fixtures.

The decision was made to reduce the disruption to the domestic season – with international matches taking up three weeks across September and October rather than four – and to reduce the regularity with which players are required to fly between continents, with many South American and African players representing European clubs.

The two-week breaks in November and March, which each include two fixtures, will not be extended and remain as previously. Discussions have been held over further reductions but the current schedule will be used until at least 2030.

When does the Premier League return?

The Premier League will return on Saturday 10 October 2026, when Arsenal v Leeds United (12:30pm, TNT Sports 1 / HBO Max) and Man Utd v Tottenham (5:30pm, Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier League) are the games scheduled for live TV coverage.

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Sunday's games are Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest (2pm, Sky Sports), Hull City v Everton (2pm, Sky Sports) and Liverpool v Man City (4:30pm, Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier League), while Monday Night Football sees Coventry City take on Newcastle United (8pm, Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier League).

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Authors

Ned is a sports writer at RadioTimes.com. He has covered a host of sports from EFL football, international cricket and golf all the way through to bike polo and triathlon.