Official: FIFA merged the September October game window to form the 16-day game day from September 21 to October 6

Foreign media foxsports reported that FIFA announced the merger of national team competition windows in September and October to optimize the schedule.

FIFA has confirmed that from the 2026-2027 season, the international competition schedule will undergo major changes. For the first time, the traditional September and October national team competition windows were merged into one, forming a 16-day extended international match day from September 21 to October 6.

During this new time period, national teams can play up to four official or friendly matches, an increase from the two games typically played in each window period in the past. This adjustment is intended to optimize players' travel arrangements and reduce interference to the domestic league.

As a direct result, the traditional October national team competition window will be cancelled, replaced by the November 9-17 game window, each national team will play two games during this period.

This adjustment will also affect other events. For example, the 2026-2027 Champions League will start early between September 8 and 10 to adapt to the new international competition schedule. This decision by FIFA is part of its long-term strategy to reduce the annual national team competition window from five to four without affecting the schedule of matches for key dates such as March, June and November.