Unveiling the Mystery: Why Easter Weekend Football Disappears Next Season
By MIKE KEEGAN, CHIEF SPORTS REPORTER
Published: 09:39, 3 March 2026 | Updated: 11:03, 3 March 2026
Get ready for a game-changer in the world of football! Daily Mail Sport has uncovered a shocking revelation: there will be no Premier League or Championship matches over the Easter weekend next season. Yes, you read that right! This tradition-busting move by FIFA is set to spark debate and leave fans wondering.
Sources reveal that FIFA's international break will conveniently fall on Good Friday and Easter Monday next year, causing a major disruption to the usual football schedule. This means both the Premier League and Championship will be off the pitch, leaving fans hungry for their fix of top-tier action. But why the sudden change?
According to the details obtained by the Mail, the international break will start after the weekend of March 21 and 22, and it will overlap with the Easter celebrations. The fixtures will resume with the FA Cup quarter-finals on April 3, with most international matches scheduled for Saturday and Tuesday.
This decision has raised eyebrows, as it seems FIFA made this choice without consulting the domestic leagues, which are already under pressure with packed schedules. The Premier League and Championship will pause after September 19 and resume on October 10, creating a gap in the action.
The history of Easter football is fascinating. The first Easter Saturday match took place in 1889, and top-flight matches on Easter Monday began in 1892. However, this tradition might be in danger of being disrupted. EFL clubs, who usually play twice during the weekend, might also be affected.
Since 2012, Premier League clubs have only played once over the weekend, while EFL clubs play twice. But this might change next season, leaving fans curious about how the new schedule will unfold.
Additionally, the EFL season will start with the Carabao Cup first round on August 8, followed by League games on August 15 and Premier League matches on August 22. Boxing Day, traditionally a Saturday, will see a full weekend round of games this season, unlike the previous year when only one Premier League match was played.
FIFA has yet to respond to requests for comment, leaving fans and experts alike speculating about the reasons behind this controversial decision. Will this move be met with outrage or acceptance? Only time will tell. Get ready for some heated discussions in the comments section as we unravel the implications of this unexpected change!
