Premier League Returns October 10 After Extended September-October International Break
The 2026/27 Premier League season kicked off with plenty of excitement and surprises, but fans will have to wait two weeks before the matches start again. After five rounds, many of the usual top teams like Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham have underperformed. Even the reigning champions, Arsenal, dropped points right before the break. Only Manchester City remains unbeaten after five games.
The league now pauses for a longer international break, giving players time away from club duties.
Return Date and Matchday Six Schedule
The Premier League will restart on Saturday, October 10, featuring a full weekend of fixtures. This pause allows players to complete their international commitments during a combined September and October break.
- Saturday, October 10
- Arsenal vs. Leeds United (7:30 a.m. ET)
- Aston Villa vs. Brentford (10 a.m. ET)
- Chelsea vs. Bournemouth (10 a.m. ET)
- Ipswich Town vs. Fulham (10 a.m. ET)
- Sunderland vs. Brighton (10 a.m. ET)
- Manchester United vs. Tottenham (12:30 p.m. ET)
- Crystal Palace vs. Nottingham Forest (9 a.m. ET)
- Hull City vs. Everton (9 a.m. ET)
- Liverpool vs. Manchester City (11:30 a.m. ET)
- Coventry City vs. Newcastle (3 p.m. ET)
Reason Behind the Longer Break
Previously, FIFA's international calendar featured separate breaks in September and October. But this year, because the 2026 World Cup expanded to 48 teams and stretched across six weeks, the schedule shifted. To help players recover and settle back with their clubs, FIFA merged the two breaks into one longer period.
National teams will use this extended window to hold camps and play four matches over these two months. Coaches appreciate this rare opportunity to work more closely with their squads.
Next International Break
The next pause in the season comes in November 2026. From November 9 to November 17, national teams worldwide will gather for up to two matches, returning to the standard format.
