Sports
FIFA's merged 16-day international window takes effect
September 22, 2026 at 09:57 AM
FIFA's new international calendar has merged the September and October windows into a single 16-day break running from September 21 to October 6, 2026.
- The window, the first of the season, allows national teams to play four matches instead of the usual two.
- FIFA merged the two windows to reduce disruptions to club competitions, cutting first-half breaks from three to two and frozen league weeks from six to five.
- The window hosts AFCON 2027 qualifiers, the UEFA Nations League, Gulf Cup 27, and friendlies.
- In October 2024, FIFPro Europe, European Leagues, and La Liga filed a complaint with the European Commission over FIFA's calendar management.