The Premier League is currently in its second international break of the 2026/27 season. Domestic football is on hold so that players can represent their countries in international competitions and friendly matches.
This November break started after Matchweek 10, and international fixtures are set to continue until November 17.
According to a statement on the EPL website from Sunday, Premier League matches will resume on Saturday, November 21.
This break is the second of three international windows planned for this season. The first was in September-October when national teams played four matches instead of the usual two.
Why the September and October breaks were merged
In the past, the Premier League season had four international breaks, each lasting about nine days in September, October, November, and March. During these breaks, national teams played two matches each time.
But for the 2026/27 season, the September and October breaks were combined into one long window. This window lasted 16 days, from September 21 to October 6.
During this time, countries played four matches instead of two. The Premier League paused after Matchweek 5 on September 20 and returned with Matchweek 6 on October 10.
This change came after a decision made by the FIFA Council in 2023, with player welfare being one of the main reasons for the adjustment. The new calendar also cut down the number of international breaks from three to two from the start of the Premier League season until the end of the year.
Fixtures during the November international break
In November, European countries will play UEFA Nations League matches, with each team set to play twice. African countries will take part in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The United States, Mexico, and other qualified teams will compete in the CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals.
South American and Asian countries are also expected to play friendly matches during this time. The Premier League will not have any matches during this break, with the next games scheduled for November 21.
When is the next international break?
The last international break of the 2026/27 Premier League season will happen from March 22 to March 30, 2027, between Matchweeks 30 and 31.
In March, some European countries will start their UEFA Euro 2028 qualifying matches. This window will also feature UEFA Nations League knockout games, including League A quarter-finals and play-offs for Leagues A, B, and C.
African countries will continue their AFCON qualification efforts, while the CONCACAF Nations League final will also take place during this time.
Asian and South American countries are likely to play friendly matches since no official competitions are scheduled for them during this break.
Why are Premier League matches not played around international breaks?
The Premier League changes its fixture schedule during international breaks to give players time to join their national teams, play matches, and then return to their clubs.
These breaks can seem longer than they are because players often return to their clubs but may not play in domestic matches until the following weekend.
As part of this scheduling, there are no Premier League matches on Monday nights before an international break or on Friday nights right after one.
International breaks began in 2002 for the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification. They are now part of FIFA’s International Match Calendar, which sets fixed periods when clubs must release players for national team duties.
Though there have been talks about reducing the number of international breaks, the current plan will likely stay the same until at least 2030.
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