The Most Popular Football Tournaments Around the World – Top 12
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of football contests – the atmosphere, the passion, and the awe-inspiring host cities. Whether you’re an avid fan or just seeking an unforgettable experience, these twelve global contests stand out for offering it all. If football is one of the most celebrated disciplines in the world, these events are its crown jewels.
FIFA World Cup
Every four years, the best of the best in international soccer meet for one grand prize: The FIFA World Cup Trophy. 32 nations from across the globe face off to determine who will reign supreme in the sport’s most prestigious contest.
For the first time ever, three countries will be joining forces to host the 2026 World Cup. The contest will feature an unprecedented 48 squads, with 16 host cities supplying infinite travel possibilities and thrilling sports betting opportunities. The WC is always a spectacular contest, and the upcoming edition might be the greatest.
Copa America
For almost a century, Copa America, South America’s preeminent soccer contest, has captivated audiences worldwide. Uruguay and Argentina have proven formidable competitors, cementing their place as reigning champions with 14 victories each.
Since its inception in 1916, the third-largest football contest on the planet has seen its fair share of doping, match-fixing, and other irregularities.
Copa Libertadores
Likewise the UEFA Champions League, the squads from South America’s biggest nations gather to compete annually for the Copa Libertadores, the region’s most prestigious event. Since its creation in 1960, Argentina has claimed the title on seven occasions (more than any other team). This year’s event saw Brazil win, with Palmeiras emerging victorious against stiff competitors.
AFC Asian Cup
With a significant following of dedicated fans, the AFC event has been held since 1956 – the exception being when it was held within three years in 2007 – and is typically played every four years. Over the years, the championship has been co-hosted by four countries with Japan holding the most titles with four wins.
UEFA European Championship
This is the go-to Continental soccer event that takes place every four years. This year’s edition saw 55 European footballing nations aiming for one of the 24 designated spots. Germany and Spain have grabbed the most accolades throughout the contest’s history, each victorious three times. The 2020 UEFA Euro captivated a remarkable 5.2 billion people around the globe.
UEFA Champion League
Each season, Europe’s leading football squads battle for the UEFA Champions League champion title. A highly sought-after accolade, it is the greatest achievement a soccer club can aspire to within the UEFA region and past winners Real Madrid have dominated with 14 titles. This esteemed event will bring out the best in European football, and the whole continent will be watching to see which team can dethrone the reigning champions.
FIFA Club World Cup
Football’s prestigious FIFA Club WC was born in 2000, only to take an unanticipated hiatus between 2001 and 2004.
For sixteen years, the contest has occurred in different parts of the world each year. The 2021 edition is taking place in Japan. Spain has been particularly successful in recent years, taking home seven titles consecutively. Real Madrid and Barcelona have both etched four and three wins to their name, respectively.
FA Cup
Year in and year out, an impressive array of clubs from all levels of England’s soccer pyramid enter the world-renowned FA Cup event. Hundreds of squads support it from across all four official divisions:
- The Premier League
- The EL Championship
- FL League One
- FL League Two
Since its start in 1887, the FA Cup has consistently provided a platform for squads of all levels to battle it out together. Its distinguished reputation stems from a diverse gathering of talent who unconditionally display versatility during the event.
Kings Cup
The Kings Cup (aka Copa del Rey or La Copa) is an esteemed event running since 1903. Barcelona has been triumphant in this league 31 times, making them the most prominent squad and current champions. It stands as one of the most celebrated contests around the world.
Africa Cup of Nations
The African Cup of Nations is the continent’s foremost football contest occurring every two years. Showcasing 24 national squads associated with the CAF, Africa’s soccer governing body, it all began in Sudan, with Egypt coming out on top. Egypt holds the highest number of titles, lifting the cup seven times.
Gold Cup
The Gold Cup is a biennial soccer contest hosted by CONCACAF, for countries located in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Every two years, fifteen powerhouse squads show off their talents to earn the chance to be crowned the champion. Historically, Mexico stands head and shoulders above the event, clinching eight titles, followed closely by the US with seven.
The Summer Games
Lastly, the Summer Games is an exhilarating soccer event featuring men’s and women’s events. From its historical start, still flourishing since 1900 in the men’s side and 1996 in the women’s department, this nearly two-week extravagant event will take place all around France in 2024, with different cities coming alive for this spectacular show of skill and athleticism.
