In 2025, South African football fans can look forward to several international breaks, with national teams competing in various prestigious tournaments, including the World Cup qualifiers, the European Championship, and the Africa Cup of Nations. These international breaks will cause domestic leagues, including the PSL, to pause for a while, allowing players to represent their countries.
Men’s International Breaks in 2025
For men’s football, the international calendar for 2025 features several important breaks that fans should note. Here are the key dates:
- March 17–25, 2025: During this period, two international matches will be played. This break coincides with the FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the UEFA Nations League.
- June 2–10, 2025: Another international window with two matches, focusing on World Cup qualifiers and tournament preparations.
- June 14–July 6, 2025: This window will also accommodate the CONCACAF Gold Cup, where countries like the USA, Mexico, Canada, and Saudi Arabia will compete.
- September 1–9, 2025: The international break returns for two matches, including more World Cup qualification games.
- October 6–14, 2025: Two more matches will be played during this break, ensuring teams continue their journey in the qualification process.
- November 10–18, 2025: The final international window for 2025, with two matches scheduled.
During these windows, the PSL will pause its fixtures as South African players, like those from Bafana Bafana, participate in their respective national teams’ activities.
Key International Competitions in 2025
2025 is an interim year between the 2024 European Championship and the 2026 World Cup, but it is still a busy year for international football. The major competitions that fans should watch out for include:
- World Cup Qualifiers: Teams will continue to battle it out for spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- UEFA Nations League Finals: These finals will take place in March and June.
- CONCACAF Gold Cup: Held between June 14 and July 6, this tournament brings together teams from North and Central America, such as the USA, Mexico, and Canada, with South American teams like Brazil and Argentina also participating.
- Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON): The AFCON qualifiers will be in full swing as teams prepare for the tournament, which kicks off in early 2025.
Women’s International Breaks in 2025
For women’s football, the calendar is equally packed. Several high-profile tournaments, including the UEFA Women’s European Championship and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, will be held in 2025. Key dates for these events are as follows:
- February 17–26, 2025: A break for all confederations, with up to three matches scheduled.
- March 31–April 8, 2025: Another international break for two matches.
- June 23–July 5, 2025: Women’s international teams will participate in tournaments such as the UEFA Women’s European Championship, OFC Women’s Nations Cup, and Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
- July 12–August 2, 2025: The Copa America Femenina will be a key focus during this time.
What is an International Break?
An international break is when national teams play international matches, such as competitive tournament qualifiers, friendly matches, and actual tournaments. During these windows, club teams are obligated to release players for national duties, often causing domestic leagues to pause. This allows players to represent their countries, but it also comes with the risk of injury, which many club coaches dread.
Top-level domestic leagues, like the PSL, typically stop during these breaks as many players are unavailable due to international commitments. However, lower-league competitions may continue, with clubs requesting postponements if they lack sufficient players.
Also Read: Bafana Bafana 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Squad Announced
In 2025, South African football fans will experience numerous international breaks, allowing Bafana Bafana and other national teams to compete on the world stage. Domestic football will take a pause during these periods, but the excitement of international competition will keep football enthusiasts entertained. Whether it’s World Cup qualifiers, the Africa Cup of Nations, or the CONCACAF Gold Cup, 2025 promises to be an eventful year for international football.
