Europe’s Big Seven: The Football Competitions You Should Follow in 2026/27
The new season is already underway, and for football fans in Leipzig that means packed weekends and exciting European nights. With the Bundesliga, the Premier League, and the Champions League vying for attention, choosing what to watch isn’t easy. Here are the seven competitions you should keep a close eye on during 2026/27.
1. UEFA Champions League
The crown jewel remains the standard by which everything else is measured. The defending champions are Paris Saint-Germain, and RB Leipzig is back in the mix as well. For the Red Bulls, the campaign began with an away trip to the shores of Lake Como.
Particularly in the group stage, which features 36 teams and a lot of head-to-head battles, it’s worth paying close attention to form and squad depth. Those who analyze matches often compare the current form and the strength of squads to gauge how the balance of power looks before kickoff. One thing is certain: surprises are a built-in part of this format.
2. 2. Bundesliga
At home, everything centers on the question of whether someone can finally stop Bayern Munich. The record champions clinched last season’s title with a sizable lead, and Harry Kane struck 36 goals along the way. RB Leipzig, who finished third, start the new campaign under coach Martin Demichelis, after a 5-0 triumph over HSV but also a heavy defeat in Bremen. Next up is a daunting assignment in Leverkusen, where it should become clear just how solid the team truly is.
3. Premier League
England’s league remains the wealthiest in the world. Arsenal enter the season as champions, while Manchester City begin a new era following Pep Guardiola’s departure. Joining them are Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Manchester United, all of whom are also in the Champions League. Few leagues offer as many marquee matchups on every matchday.
4. LaLiga
In Spain, much of the discussion centers on the duel between FC Barcelona, led by Hansi Flick, and Real Madrid. Behind them, Atlético Madrid, Villarreal, and Real Betis will do their best to make life difficult for the two giants. If you’re a fan of technically high-class football, you’ll find plenty to love here.
5. Serie A
Italy’s league is as riveting as it has been in ages. Inter Milan are the reigning champions, Napoli opens the campaign with Massimiliano Allegri as the new coach, and surprise packages like Como bring a fresh wind to the table. The Como club is even competing in the Champions League these days.
6. UEFA Europa League
The Europa League is long past being a consolation prize. Besides the four German clubs in the Champions League, Bayer Leverkusen and TSG Hoffenheim will represent the Bundesliga here, and the winner earns a direct ticket to next season’s Champions League. For ambitious clubs, that prospect is a major incentive.
7. UEFA Conference League
The newest European competition offers a grand stage especially for smaller clubs. From Germany, SC Freiburg is involved, hoping for a long European journey and having impressed on the continental stage in recent years. The journeys often take teams to countries that don’t usually sit in the football spotlight.
Whether you’re standing in the Red Bull Arena on weekends or following European nights from your sofa during the week, the 2026/27 season offers plenty of talking points. Boredom is not a concern; between league rhythms and European nights, there won’t be many quiet weeks ahead of the Champions League final on June 5, 2027 in Madrid. And, as always, football shines brightest when it’s fun.
For those who want to experience the sprawling schedule even more intensely, you can join in and try to forecast the results of the top leagues. A careful look at current football odds helps you properly gauge the favorites in each competition before kickoff. That way you’ll be well prepared for all upcoming matchups—whether it’s Leipzig’s next home win in the Bundesliga or the decisive knockout ties in the Champions League.
