FIFA President Gianni Infantino is keen on engaging clubs and federations over the future of football’s calendar, he stressed at the start of the 73rd FIFA Congress held at BK Arena in Kigali on Thursday, March 16. Infantino said that the international calendar is very important for the players. ALSO READ: FIFA Congress opens in Kigali “We have to protect the life of the players. We have to look at the way they can have time to rest and have time for holidays. “It’s important to listen, to get input, to get opinions, to find the right balance. It’s important for us that we find the right balance between clubs and national teams.” National team games happen in September, October, and November, then in March, and in June. “You have players who have to travel halfway around the world back and forth for these games. I think it is time to change it.” Men’s International Match Calendar 2025-2030 The Men’s International Match Calendar 2025-2030 will be structured as follows: • March: a nine-day, two-match window • June: a nine-day, two-match window - including friendlies in preparation for final tournaments where appropriate. • Late September or early October: a 16-day, four-match window is set to be introduced as of 2026, with two nine-day, two-match windows to be retained in September and October 2025. • November: a nine-day, two-match window Based on the new calendar. The FIFA World Cup 2026 final will be played on Sunday, July 19, 2026, with the mandatory release period starting on May 25, 2026, following the last official club match on May 24, 2026. It is noted that exemptions may apply to the final matches of confederation club competitions until 30 May 2026 subject to FIFA’s approval. ALSO READ: Who are the Football legends in Kigali for the FIFA Congress ALSO READ: A closer look at FIFA presidents past and present With 56 days, the total combined number of rest, release, and tournament days remain identical to the 2010, 2014, and 2018 FIFA World Cup editions. The detailed Men’s International Match Calendar 2025-2030 will be published in the coming days.
