FIFA has introduced a major adjustment to the international football calendar, changing the structure of international breaks and giving national teams a longer window for matches during the early part of the season.
Under the previous format, international breaks were spread across September, October and November.
The first break usually came in early September, shortly after the third matchday of the English Premier League and other major domestic competitions.
The September window was traditionally the shortest of the three international breaks.
However, the new arrangement will see only two international breaks during this period.
The first and longest window will run from September 21 to October 6, lasting 16 days, while the second international break will take place from November 9 to November 17.
The extended September-October window means national teams could have the opportunity to play as many as four matches, depending on their fixtures and competition schedules.
The move is expected to reduce the number of interruptions to domestic league football while providing national teams with longer periods to prepare and play competitive matches.
One of the biggest changes will be felt in the English Premier League.
Rather than stopping after Matchday Three for the traditional September international break, the league will now continue until Matchday Five before the first major international window begins.
The adjustment could have significant implications for clubs, players and national team coaches.
Club sides will enjoy a longer uninterrupted run of league fixtures at the start of the season, while national team managers will have more time with their players during the extended international window.
The new FIFA calendar format is expected to reshape the rhythm of the football season, balancing the demands of domestic competitions with international football as clubs and countries prepare for another busy campaign.
