The extended international break was brought in with player welfare in mind, but has it been a success?
BBC Sport · October 5, 2026

The first international break of the 2026-27 season is almost over - and it has been a longer one than fans are used to.
For the first time, the Premier League and Championship paused for three weeks rather than the usual two with players returning to domestic action from Friday.
The idea was brought in by Fifa with player welfare in mind, but, with a growing list of injuries, has it really been a success?
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