When Will the Premier League Resume After the Long September-October International Break?
The 2026/27 Premier League season has kicked off with plenty of excitement and surprises. Yet, fans will need to wait for two weeks before the league resumes action.
Several top clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham have struggled early on, failing to meet expectations in the first five matches. Even the defending champions, Arsenal, stumbled just before the pause, leaving Manchester City as the only team unbeaten after five games.
Now, the Premier League is taking a longer break than usual due to international fixtures. This pause will last for four games worth of international duty, meaning no club matches will be played during this period.
Return Date for Premier League Matches
The Premier League will restart on Saturday, October 10, with a full schedule over the weekend. Fans can look forward to matchday six, featuring several notable fixtures.
Premier League Matchday Six Schedule (All times ET)
- Saturday, October 10
- Arsenal vs. Leeds United: 7:30 a.m.
- Aston Villa vs. Brentford: 10 a.m.
- Chelsea vs. Bournemouth: 10 a.m.
- Ipswich Town vs. Fulham: 10 a.m.
- Sunderland vs. Brighton: 10 a.m.
- Manchester United vs. Tottenham: 12:30 p.m.
- Crystal Palace vs. Nottingham Forest: 9 a.m.
- Hull City vs. Everton: 9 a.m.
- Liverpool vs. Manchester City: 11:30 a.m.
- Coventry City vs. Newcastle: 3 p.m.
Why Is This International Break Longer?
Usually, FIFA sets separate international breaks in September and October. But for 2026, things changed dramatically because of the expanded World Cup.
The 2026 World Cup grew to include 48 teams and stretched over six weeks during the summer. Because of that, FIFA decided to give players more time to recover and adjust back to club life before returning to national team duties.
They combined the September and October breaks into one longer pause. During this time, national teams will hold two-week camps and play four international matches.
This extended period offers national team coaches more opportunity to work closely with their squads, which is rare in the usual schedule.
Next International Break
Following this merged break, the next international window will return to normal timing in November 2026. From November 9 to November 17, national teams worldwide will meet again to play up to two matches each.
