Why is the September international break so long? How many games will England play?

By Matt Law | 18 Sep 2026 07:22, Last updated: 18 Sep 2026 07:23

England are preparing to play 4 matches successful the upcoming planetary break, with Thomas Tuchel's broadside looking to determination connected from their heartbreak astatine the 2026 World Cup.

The Three Lions volition statesman their latest UEFA Nations League run against Spain connected September 26, earlier tackling Czech Republic connected September 29.

England volition past look Croatia connected October 3 and Czech Republic again connected October 6, earlier returning to enactment connected November 12 against Croatia.

Previously, determination had been breaks successful some September and October, but the 2 person been merged to make a lengthy planetary interruption astatine the commencement of the campaign.

As a result, determination volition beryllium nary Premier League games betwixt September 20 and October 10.

Why is the upcoming planetary interruption truthful long?

The interruption has been changed partially down to the 2026 World Cup final, which took spot connected July 19 - the latest day of a summertime World Cup last since England's 1966 triumph.

The alteration volition not beryllium truthful taxing for players erstwhile it comes to travel, benefitting African and South American players who play their home shot successful Europe.

Player payment is 1 of the main reasons down the change, with less long-haul flights required.

Players volition beryllium owed to instrumentality to their nine teams betwixt October 4 and October 8 to hole for the resumption of their division.

There volition beryllium different planetary interruption successful November, though countries volition lone play doubly during that period, with England facing Croatia and Spain.

Extended planetary break: Fewer disruptions to the league season

International breaks successful September and October person agelong been debated, with nine managers unhappy astatine having their seasons impacted astatine specified an aboriginal stage.

The extended interruption volition astatine slightest springiness clubs the accidental to summation immoderate momentum earlier the last planetary matches of the twelvemonth successful November.

The alteration was approved by the FIFA Council successful March 2023.

The lucifer with Spain connected September 26 volition correspond England's archetypal fixture since beating France 6-4 successful the third-placed playoff astatine the 2026 World Cup.

Three Lions caput manager Tuchel volition sanction his squad for the upcoming matches connected Friday morning.