Football in 2026 is set for a landmark year shaped by the biggest tournament in the sport: the 2026 FIFA World Cup, staged across Canada, the United States and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July. Featuring 48 teams for the first time, the expanded format brings more matches, more host cities, and an unprecedented festival of global football. From the opening game in Mexico City to the final in New York/New Jersey, the World Cup will dominate the sporting calendar, driving massive worldwide attention and a surge in sports tourism.
At club level, European men’s football reaches its usual crescendo in May 2026, when the continent’s top competitions crown their champions. The UEFA Champions League final, one of the most-watched annual events on the planet, will headline the month, followed by the Europa League and Europa Conference League finals. Domestic title races across the Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Bundesliga and Ligue 1 will also provide high drama as Europe’s elite battle for silverware and World Cup-bound players push for form and fitness.
Women’s football continues its rise, with major fixtures including the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final in Oslo, Norway, and key league deciders across Europe’s top divisions. Packed stadiums and global broadcast audiences will underline the sport’s rapid growth ahead of future tournaments.
International football events in 2026
African Cup of Nations (AFCON)
When: 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026
Where: Morocco
Men’s football: Finalissima 2026 – Spain vs. Argentina
What: champions of Europe against the champions of South America
When: Friday 27 March 2026
Where: Lusail Stadium, Qatar
Website: uefa.com
2026 FIFA World Cup
When: 11 June-19 July 2026
Where: United States, Canada and Mexico
Website: fifa.com
Football finals in 2026
Women’s football: 2026 English Women’s League Cup final
When: 15 March 2026
Where: Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol, England
Men’s football: 2026 Carabao Cup final – English Football League Cup
When: 22 March 2026
Where: Wembley Stadium, London, England
Website: efl.com
Men’s football: 2026 English FA Cup final
When: 16 May 2026
Where: Wembley Stadium, London, England
Website: thefa.com
Men’s football: 2026 UEFA Europa League final
When: 20 May 2026
Where: Beşiktaş Park, Istanbul, Turkey
Women’s football: 2026 UEFA Women’s Champions League final
When: Saturday 23 May 2026
Where: Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway
Men’s football: 2026 UEFA Europa Conference League final
When: 27 May 2026
Where: Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany
Men’s football: 2026 UEFA Champions League Final
When: 30 May 2026
Where: Puskás Aréna, Budapest, Hungary
Website: uefa.com
Women’s football: 2026 English Women’s FA Cup final
When: Sunday 31 May 2026
Where: Wembley Stadium, London
Men’s football: 2026 UEFA Super Cup final
What: Uefa Champions League winners vs. Uefa Europa League winners
When: 12 August 2026
Where: Red Bull Arena, Salzburg, Austria
Men’s football: Conmebol 2026 Copa Libertadores final
When: 28 November 2026
Where: Montevideo, Uruguay