Player welfare, injury worries & boredom - has extended international break worked?
The first international break of the 2026-27 season is nearing its end. It lasts longer than the usual windows as part of a Fifa scheduling change intended to reduce strain on players.
Fifa’s previous calendar included five breaks across the season. Fewer windows could mean less long-distance travel for players based in Europe who represent African or South American national teams.
But injuries have emerged during the current break. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland left Norway’s game against Portugal limping and departed the national camp the following day; teammate Nico O’Reilly returned to City for further checks.
Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo withdrew from the Netherlands squad with an ankle problem, while Alexander Isak left Sweden duty with a minor thigh injury. NISO chief Kristoffer Vatshaug said the workload on top players had become excessive.
Three days of international fixtures remain, leaving club managers hoping no further players are hurt. The injury list has renewed questions over whether the longer break is delivering its intended welfare benefits.
Key points
- Fifa lengthened the break to reduce the number of international windows and long-distance trips.
- Haaland, O’Reilly, Gakpo and Isak have had injury concerns during the break.
- Three days of fixtures remain, with clubs awaiting players’ return.