2026 Football Calendar & LIVE SCORES
The definitive schedule for the FIFA World Cup, Continental Cups, and LIVE SCORES for every major tournament in the 2026 season.
| Dates | Event | Location | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2025 - Jan 2026 | AFCON 2025 | Morocco | African Cup of Nations |
| Jan 1 - Jan 14 | SAFF Championship | TBD | South Asian Football |
| Mar 2026 | CONCACAF Nations League Finals | USA | Continental Final |
| May 20 | UEFA Europa League Final | Istanbul, Turkey | Club Final |
| May 27 | UEFA Conference League Final | Leipzig, Germany | Club Final |
| May 30 | UEFA Champions League Final | Budapest, Hungary | Club Final |
| Jun 11 - Jul 19 | FIFA World Cup 2026 | USA, Mexico, Canada | World Cup |
| July 2026 | Central American & Caribbean Games | Santo Domingo, DR | U23 Tournament |
| Mid 2026 | FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup | Poland | Youth World Cup |
| Sep - Oct 2026 | FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup | Morocco | Youth World Cup |
| TBD 2026 | AFC Women's Asian Cup | Australia | Continental Cup |
| Aug 2026 | UEFA Super Cup | TBD | European Super Cup |
| Dec 2026 | FIFA Intercontinental Cup | TBD | Club Tournament |
Key Upcoming Events & LIVE SCORES News
In-depth analysis of the biggest tournaments defining the 2026 football landscape.
The Expanded 48-Team Tournament
The 23rd FIFA World Cup will be a historic event, featuring 48 teams for the first time. Co-hosted by three nations, the tournament will span the North American continent with 104 matches played in 16 host cities.
The tournament will feature a staggered schedule to minimize travel for teams, with groups clustered by region.
Key Details
- Dates: June 11 – July 19, 2026
- Format: 12 groups of 4 teams; Round of 32 introduced.
- Venues: 16 cities including Toronto, Los Angeles, and Monterrey.
European Glory in Budapest
The 2026 UEFA Champions League Final will be held at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest. This state-of-the-art venue continues to establish Hungary as a premier destination for major European football events.
Venue Facts
- Date: May 30, 2026
- Stadium: Puskás Aréna (Capacity: 67,215).
- Context: First UCL final hosted in Hungary.
The Matildas Host Asia's Best
Australia has been confirmed as the host for the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup. Following the massive success of the 2023 World Cup, this tournament serves as the critical qualifier for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
Competition Facts
- Host: Australia.
- Stakes: Qualification for World Cup 2027.
- Defending Champs: China PR.
Future Stars in Poland
Poland will host the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, showcasing the next generation of female football talent. This biennial tournament is often a springboard for players who go on to dominate the senior World Cup.
Key Details
- Host: Poland
- Teams: 24 Nations
- Focus: Youth Development
Inaugural Global Club Tournament
FIFA has announced the launch of the first-ever Women's Club World Cup, set to debut in early 2026. This tournament will finally determine the best women's club team on the planet.
Significance
- Debut: First edition in history.
- Participants: 16 top clubs worldwide.
- Schedule: Jan/Feb 2026 (TBC).
A New Era for Club Football
The prelude to 2026 starts in 2025 with the new 32-team FIFA Club World Cup in the USA. This tournament serves as a massive test event for World Cup venues and infrastructure.
Impact
- Venues: Test run for 2026 stadiums.
- Format: 32 Teams (Champions League Style).
- Prize Pool: Massive financial incentives.
Looking Beyond 2026
While the focus is on the World Cup, CONMEBOL nations are already preparing for the 2028 Copa América. Discussions are ongoing regarding the host nation, with Paraguay and Ecuador emerging as potential candidates.
Speculation
- Potential Hosts: Ecuador, Paraguay, or USA (again).
- Teams: Likely 16 (10 CONMEBOL + 6 CONCACAF).
The Road to North America
The qualification process for 2026 is the most extensive ever due to the 48-team expansion. Asia (AFC) gets 8 guaranteed slots, Africa (CAF) gets 9, and South America (CONMEBOL) gets 6.
Slot Allocation
- UEFA: 16 slots
- CAF: 9 slots
- AFC: 8 slots
- CONCACAF: 3 hosts + 3 qualifiers
Football Legends & Stars
Biographies and key stats of the players defining the modern era of the beautiful game.
Lionel Messi
Argentina
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Messi has won a record 8 Ballon d'Or awards.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal
The all-time leading goalscorer in men's international football. A five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Kylian Mbappé
France
A global superstar known for his blistering speed and finishing. World Cup winner at age 19.
Erling Haaland
Norway
A striking phenomenon who broke the Premier League scoring record in his debut season.
Pelé
Brazil
The only player to win three FIFA World Cups. A global icon of football, credited with connecting the phrase 'The Beautiful Game' to the sport.
Diego Maradona
Argentina
An artist on the pitch, best known for leading Argentina to the 1986 World Cup victory.
Zinedine Zidane
France
Known for elegance and vision. Scored two goals in the 1998 World Cup final.
Johan Cruyff
Netherlands
The personification of 'Total Football'. Revolutionized the game as player and manager.
Ronaldo Nazário
Brazil
Dubbed 'The Phenomenon', he combined speed, power, and skill like no other striker in history.
Neymar Jr
Brazil
One of the most skillful players of his generation. Formed the deadly MSN trio at Barcelona before becoming the most expensive player ever with his move to PSG.
Kevin De Bruyne
Belgium
Widely considered the best passer in world football and the engine of Man City.
Mohamed Salah
Egypt
The 'Egyptian King' has shattered scoring records for Liverpool with incredible consistency.
Robert Lewandowski
Poland
One of the most prolific goalscorers in history, breaking Bundesliga records repeatedly.
Luka Modrić
Croatia
A midfield genius who broke the Messi-Ronaldo Ballon d'Or duopoly in 2018. Led Croatia to a World Cup final and has won everything with Real Madrid.
Vinícius Júnior
Brazil
Explosive winger with incredible dribbling skills, scoring the winner in the 2022 UCL final.
Jude Bellingham
England
A generational talent who combines physicality, technique, and maturity beyond his years at Real Madrid.
Global Football & LIVE SCORES Directory
Click on any country to see domestic league details, top teams, and access LIVE SCORES.
- League Premier League
- League EFL Championship
- League La Liga
- League La Liga 2
- League Bundesliga
- Cup DFB-Pokal
- League Serie A
- Cup Coppa Italia
- League Ligue 1
- Cup Coupe de France
- League Eredivisie
- Cup KNVB Cup
- League Liga Portugal
- Cup Taça de Portugal
- League Brasileirão Série A
- Cup Copa do Brasil
- League Liga Profesional
- Cup Copa Argentina
- League HNL
- Cup Croatian Cup
- League Ekstraklasa
- Cup Polish Cup
- League MLS
- Cup U.S. Open Cup
- League Liga MX
- Cup Copa MX
- League Primera División
- Cup Copa Uruguay
- League Primera A
- Cup Copa Colombia
- League Süper Lig
- Cup Turkish Cup
- League Pro League
- Cup Belgian Cup
- League Allsvenskan
- Cup Svenska Cupen
- League Eliteserien
- Cup NM Cup
- League Super League
- Cup Swiss Cup
- League Premiership
- Cup Scottish Cup
- League Bundesliga
- Cup Austrian Cup
- League Superliga
- Cup Danish Cup
- League Super League 1
- Cup Greek Cup
- League Saudi Pro League
- Cup King's Cup
- League J1 League
- Cup Emperor's Cup
- League K League 1
- Cup FA Cup
- League A-League Men
- Cup Australia Cup
- League Botola Pro
- Cup Throne Cup
- League Premier League
- Cup Egypt Cup
- League NPFL
- Cup Federation Cup
- League Primera División
- Cup Copa Chile
- League Liga 1
- Cup Copa Bicentenario
- League Ligue 1
- Cup FA Cup
- League Premier League
- Cup FA Cup
- League Ligue 1
- Cup Coupe de Côte d'Ivoire
- League Elite One
- Cup Cameroon Cup
- League SuperLiga
- Cup Serbian Cup
- League Premier League
- Cup Ukrainian Cup
- League First League
- Cup Czech Cup
- League Premier League
- Cup Canadian Championship
- League Pro League
- Cup Hazfi Cup
- League Stars League
- Cup Emir of Qatar Cup
Football Culture & Global FAQs
Explore the history, terminology, and passion that make football the world's most popular sport.
Why is football called "The Beautiful Game"?
The term was popularized by Brazilian legend Pelé. It refers to the fluid, improvisational, and artistic nature of the sport, where individual brilliance and team harmony come together to create moments of magic on the pitch.
What is the "Offside" rule?
A player is offside if they are nearer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent when the ball is played to them. This rule prevents goal-hanging and encourages tactical depth.
What are the biggest football rivalries?
Famous rivalries include El Clásico (Real Madrid vs Barcelona), the Superclásico (Boca Juniors vs River Plate), and the Old Firm (Celtic vs Rangers). These matches often carry deep historical and cultural significance.
Why is the number 10 shirt special?
The number 10 is traditionally worn by the team's primary playmaker or creative star. Legends like Pelé, Maradona, and Messi have made it synonymous with skill, vision, and leadership.
FIFA World Cup vs. Club World Cup?
The FIFA World Cup is a competition between national teams (e.g., Brazil, France) held every 4 years. The Club World Cup is played by professional clubs (e.g., Man City, Al Ahly) who have won their continental championships.
What is VAR?
Video Assistant Referee (VAR) is a technology used to review decisions made by the head referee. It checks for clear and obvious errors in goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity.
What are Promotion and Relegation?
A system where the worst-performing teams in a league are transferred down to a lower division (Relegation), while the best teams from the lower division move up to the top tier (Promotion). This ensures high stakes for every match.
What is "The Treble"?
Winning the Treble occurs when a club team wins their domestic league (e.g., Premier League), their main domestic cup (e.g., FA Cup), and the major continental trophy (e.g., Champions League) all in a single season.
What is Tiki-Taka?
A style of play characterized by short passing and movement, working the ball through various channels, and maintaining possession. It was made famous by FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team between 2008 and 2012.
Golden Boot vs. Golden Ball?
The Golden Boot is awarded to the top goalscorer of a tournament or league. The Golden Ball is given to the best overall player of a tournament (like the World Cup), regardless of how many goals they scored.
What is a Clean Sheet?
A team or goalkeeper is said to have "kept a clean sheet" if they prevent the opposing team from scoring any goals during an entire match. It is a key statistic for defensive performance.
Who are "Ultras"?
Ultras are renowned for their fanatical support of their team. They are known for creating intense atmospheres in stadiums through choreographed chants, displays of flares (pyrotechnics), and massive banners known as "tifos".
What is Total Football?
A tactical theory where any outfield player can take over the role of any other player in the team. Pioneered by the Netherlands and Ajax in the 1970s, it requires immense tactical awareness and physical fitness.
What is a Nutmeg?
A "nutmeg" (or "panna") is a dribbling technique where a player kicks the ball through an opponent's legs and collects it on the other side. It is considered one of the most embarrassing ways to be beaten by a dribbler.
What makes the 2030 World Cup unique?
It will celebrate the tournament's 100th anniversary with opening matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay, before moving to the main hosts: Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. It spans three continents!
How does the new Champions League format work?
Starting 2024/25, the traditional group stage is replaced by a single "League Phase" (Swiss Model). 36 teams compete in one table, playing 8 different opponents, increasing the number of "big matches" early on.
What is the Finalissima?
A revitalized super-cup match played between the winners of the UEFA Euro and the CONMEBOL Copa América. It symbolizes the battle for supremacy between the two dominant footballing continents.
Where is the 2027 Women's World Cup?
Brazil has been chosen to host the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. It will be the first time the women's global showpiece is held in South America, promising vibrant atmospheres and world-class venues.
Who will host UEFA Euro 2028?
The tournament will be hosted by the United Kingdom and Ireland. Matches will take place across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland in world-class stadiums like Wembley.
Where will the 2034 World Cup be held?
Saudi Arabia is confirmed as the sole bidder for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. This follows the rotational policy of moving the tournament back to Asia and Oceania after the 2030 edition.
What is the new 2025 Club World Cup?
Hosted in the USA, this expanded tournament will feature 32 of the world's best clubs playing every four years. It replaces the annual format to create a true "World Cup" for club football.
Who is hosting AFCON 2027?
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. This historic "Pamoja" bid brings the continent's biggest tournament back to East Africa for the first time since 1976.
Where is Euro 2032 taking place?
Italy and Turkey will co-host Euro 2032. This unique partnership combines Italy's rich football heritage with Turkey's modern stadium infrastructure to bridge Mediterranean cultures.
Who is hosting the 2027 AFC Asian Cup?
Saudi Arabia will host the tournament for the first time in its history. This aligns with the nation's massive investment in sports infrastructure and the "Vision 2030" project to become a global football hub.
Where is the UEFA Women's Euro 2025?
Switzerland will host the 14th edition of the tournament. It will feature 16 teams playing across eight cities, aiming to build on the record-breaking attendance numbers seen in England in 2022.
What is the new U-17 World Cup format?
Starting in 2025, FIFA U-17 World Cups will be held annually rather than biennially. Qatar will host the boys' tournament and Morocco the girls' tournament for five consecutive years to ensure consistent youth development.
What do we know about Copa América 2028?
While Ecuador is the projected host by rotation, there is speculation about a joint bid or a return to the USA to continue the successful partnership between CONMEBOL and CONCACAF seen in 2024.
Why is the 2025 Gold Cup important?
Scheduled for the summer of 2025, this tournament will serve as the final major competitive test for North American venues and teams (USA, Mexico, Canada) before they host the World Cup in 2026.