The football doesn’t stop for anybody, in 2025 we have a treat. Here is all the list of major sporting events in 2025!
January 2025
Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025
- Dates: January 11 - February 8
- Host: Morocco
- Why It Matters: Africa’s premier international tournament showcases the continent’s best talents, such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Victor Osimhen. Morocco, semifinalists in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, are among the favorites.
- Key Teams: Senegal (defending champions), Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, and Morocco.
FIFA Club World Cup
- Dates: TBD
- Host: Saudi Arabia
- Why It Matters: The tournament brings together champions from six continental confederations and the host nation’s top team. This is the last iteration before FIFA’s 32-team expansion in 2026.
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Key Teams: UEFA Champions League winners (e.g., Manchester City or Real Madrid), Copa Libertadores champions, and others.
March 2025
UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifying Playoffs
- Dates: March 20–25
- Why It Matters: The final chance for teams to secure a place in UEFA Euro 2024, with high-stakes knockouts for nations that narrowly missed out in the group stages.
- Storylines: Underdogs aiming to upset established powers.
International Friendlies
- Dates: March (exact dates TBD)
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Why It Matters: These friendlies serve as warm-ups for major tournaments and a testing ground for tactics and squad depth.
May 2025
Domestic League Finales
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Leagues to Watch:
- Premier League: Will another dramatic title race like Manchester City’s 2021 triumph unfold?
- La Liga: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona remains a thrilling rivalry.
- Serie A: Napoli’s resurgence vs. the big Milan clubs.
- Bundesliga: Bayern Munich’s dominance continues to be challenged by Borussia Dortmund.
UEFA Champions League Semi-finals
- Dates: Early May
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Why It Matters: This stage often delivers some of the most memorable matches in football history, with Europe’s top clubs vying for the final spot.
June 2025
UEFA Champions League Final
- Date: June 7
- Venue: Atatürk Olympic Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey
- Why It Matters: A pinnacle event in club football, where the best teams compete for European glory.
Copa América 2025
- Dates: June 11 - July 11
- Host: USA
- Why It Matters: The tournament will feature Lionel Messi (potentially in his last Copa) and Neymar alongside rising stars. With the USA hosting, it’s an opportunity for CONMEBOL to grow its audience.
- Key Teams: Brazil, Argentina (defending champions), Uruguay, and Chile.
UEFA Under-21 European Championship
- Dates: June 18 - July 6
- Host: Slovakia
- Why It Matters: A proving ground for Europe’s emerging stars, with many players going on to feature in senior squads soon after.
Women's European Qualifiers
- Dates: Ongoing
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Why It Matters: Europe’s top nations compete for qualification in major tournaments like the FIFA Women’s World Cup and UEFA Women’s EURO.
July 2025
CONCACAF Gold Cup
- Dates: TBD
- Host: USA (likely)
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Why It Matters: North and Central America’s premier competition features top teams like the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Look out for rising talents and intense rivalries.
August 2025
New Domestic League Seasons Begin
- Why It Matters: Fresh campaigns across top leagues bring renewed hopes for fans and thrilling narratives, such as title challenges, transfers, and managerial shifts.
UEFA Super Cup
- Date: Mid-August
- Venue: TBD
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Why It Matters: Champions League winners face Europa League winners in a curtain-raiser for the European season.
September 2025
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Resume
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Why It Matters: Nations across the globe battle for a place in the expanded 48-team World Cup. Watch for potential surprises and tight group standings.
October 2025
Women’s Olympic Qualifying Playoffs
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Why It Matters: High-stakes matches to determine which nations will join the Olympics in Paris 2026. Expect top-tier action from Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
November 2025
MLS Cup Final
- Why It Matters: The culmination of the Major League Soccer season, with top teams competing for the championship.
International Friendlies
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Why It Matters: Teams use friendlies to prepare for upcoming qualifiers or tournaments, often debuting young talents.
December 2025
Domestic Festive Fixtures
- Why It Matters: In leagues like the Premier League, Boxing Day and holiday matches create drama in congested schedules, often with title implications.
Club World Cup Expansion Prep
- Why It Matters: Preparations for FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup with 32 teams in 2026 will set the stage for a global club football extravaganza.
