What can football fans watch after the World Cup?
Following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where 48 teams played 104 matches and scored 308 goals, football fans can soon look forward to new tournaments and leagues, including the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, UEFA Super Cup, Champions League, and several domestic leagues.
After six weeks of relentless football culminating in the FIFA World Cup 2026, fans must now fill the void left by the tournament. The biggest edition in history saw 48 nations compete over 104 matches and 308 goals. In a few weeks, club football will resume across Europe's top leagues, with player transfers and managerial appointments already making headlines.
First tournament after the World Cup
A week after the World Cup final, the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 kicks off. Hosts Morocco face Kenya in the opener. Nigeria defend their title won last year, while Ghana, Zambia, and Malawi are also among favorites.
UEFA Super Cup
The UEFA Super Cup 2026 pits Paris Saint-Germain against Aston Villa on August 12 at Stadion Salzburg in Austria. Kick-off is at 9pm local time (19:00 GMT).
UEFA Champions League
The elite club competition starts in the second week of September and concludes in May 2027. The draw for the league stage is on August 27 in Nyon, Switzerland. Of the 36 teams, 29 have already qualified; seven will be confirmed via qualifiers.
English Premier League
The Premier League resumes on August 21. Champions Arsenal host Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium at 8pm (19:00 GMT). Other key opening fixtures: Hull City vs Manchester United (Aug 22), Manchester City vs Bournemouth (Aug 23), Newcastle United vs Liverpool (Aug 23), and Fulham vs Chelsea (Aug 24).
Spanish La Liga
La Liga starts on August 15 with Alaves vs Getafe. Holders Barcelona begin on August 23 at Elche, while Real Madrid face Espanyol on August 22. Madrid's first league game under returning manager Jose Mourinho will be away at Espanyol.
Italian Serie A
Serie A opens on August 22. Notable matches: Inter Milan vs Monza, Genoa vs Napoli, Frosinone vs Juventus, Atalanta vs Sassuolo, Torino vs AC Milan, and AS Roma vs Fiorentina.
UEFA Nations League and World Cup qualifying
Spain, European and world champions, lead the UEFA Nations League which doubles as World Cup qualifying. Portugal host Wales on September 24, while England host Spain on September 26. European qualifying for the 2030 World Cup will use a new two-tier league format.
African and Asian qualifying for 2030
After a historic World Cup run (nine African teams reaching the knockouts), African qualifying for 2030 is expected to start in September 2027. Morocco automatically qualify as co-host. Asian qualifying likely begins in late 2027, running for nearly two years.
