Premier League Returns October 10 After Extended International Break
The 2026/27 Premier League season kicked off with plenty of excitement and surprises. Yet fans must now wait two weeks before the next round of matches begins.
Several top clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham have struggled early on, failing to meet expectations in their first five games. Even defending champions Arsenal stumbled just before the break. Meanwhile, Manchester City remain the only team with a perfect record through five matches.
The league is on pause for an unusually long international break while players represent their countries.
Return Date for EPL Matches
Premier League action resumes on Saturday, October 10. Fans can look forward to a full weekend of fixtures after the four-game international break as players return from national team duty.
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?
Previously, FIFA scheduled two separate international breaks in September and October. This year, the calendar changed due to the 2026 World Cup expanding to 48 teams and lasting six weeks over the summer.
FIFA combined the September and October breaks into one extended period to allow players more time to recover and reintegrate into their clubs. National teams will use this two-week window to play four matches.
This longer stretch offers coaches more time with their squads, which is rare during the usual shorter breaks.
Next International Break
After this combined break, the following international window will occur in November 2026. From November 9 to November 17, national teams will gather worldwide to play up to two games, returning to the standard format.
