The first international break of the 2026-27 season is drawing to a close — and for many fans, it could not come soon enough. For the first time, the Premier League and Championship were suspended for three weeks rather than the customary two, with domestic action set to resume from Friday.
FIFA introduced the longer pause with player welfare at its core, consolidating five annual breaks into four and extending the September-October window. But with a mounting injury list and frustrated supporters, the experiment is already under scrutiny.
Why the change was made
FIFA's decision to stretch the break stemmed from several factors. The 2026 World Cup final is scheduled for 19 July — the latest finish date for a summer World Cup since 1966 — meaning the international calendar needed restructuring.
Reducing the total number of breaks from five to four also cuts down on long-haul travel for players based in Europe but representing nations in Africa or South America. Fewer journeys, the argument goes, should mean less strain on the athletes.
Fans, however, have largely been unmoved. With the domestic season barely underway, many resent the extended absence of club football regardless of the reasoning behind it.
Injuries pile up
The break was designed to protect players — yet a string of notable injuries has emerged. Manchester City forward Erling Haaland asked to be substituted in the 67th minute of Norway's match against Portugal on Sunday, subsequently limping from the field and leaving camp the following day. City team-mate Nico O'Reilly also returned to the club for further assessment.
Liverpool's Cody Gakpo withdrew from the Netherlands squad with an ankle injury, while Alexander Isak pulled out of Sweden duty with a minor thigh problem. Portugal coach Jorge Jesus revealed that Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes had been playing through pain, and Sunderland's Dan Ballard and Brian Brobbey both suffered hamstring injuries.
Away from England, Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe picked up a knock while on duty with France, and Barcelona's Raphinha returned from Brazil carrying a thigh injury.
Earlier in the break, Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott withdrew from the England squad with a thigh problem. The Cherries have since expressed dissatisfaction over how they believe England managed the situation. Additionally, Tino Livramento, Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, and Declan Rice all pulled out of Thomas Tuchel's squad before the window even began.
Norway's players' union NISO was swift to respond to Haaland's withdrawal.
