As the 2023/24 season of Europe’s top football leagues gets underway, fans and pundits must watch for the international breaks that punctuate the club calendar. These breaks pause domestic league action and are pivotal moments for national teams to prove their mettle on the world stage. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the upcoming international breaks in the 2023/24 season.

The first international break is right around the corner, starting after the summer transfer shuts on Friday, September 1. England, in particular, take on on September 9 for a EURO Qualifier, followed by a special friendly against on September 12. The game at Hampden Park marks the 150th anniversary of the first official match between England and Scotland.

The second international break takes place in October, followed by the last international break of the year starting mid-November.

Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League group stages occur in and around the 2023 international break dates.

Major tournaments, including the AFC Asian Cup, African Cup of Nations, , and CONCACAF Copa America, begin in the new year. The AFC Asian Cup takes place in Qatar, the African Cup in Ivory Coast, hosts the Euro 2024 tournament, and the United States hosts the Copa America.

These international break dates are crucial for your soccer-watching calendar if you’re a fan of the Bundesliga, Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, or any other top European league. So feel free to print this out, screenshot it, and mark it down.

Key dates for international breaks and major tournaments in the 2023/24 football season

YearBreak or Tournament DurationGames or Events
2023September 4 – 12UEFA European Qualifiers & International Friendlies
2023October 9 – 17UEFA European Championship Qualifiers & International Friendlies
2023November 13 – 21UEFA European Championship Qualifiers
2024January 12 – February 10AFC Asian Cup 2023
2024January 13 – February 11Africa Cup of Nations 2023
2024March 18 – 26UEFA European Championship Qualifiers
2024June 14 – July 14UEFA European Championships 2024
2024June 20 – July 142024 Copa América

Photo: Instagram/azzurri