European Football Competitions: A Guide to the Continent’s Biggest Tournaments

European football competitions bring together clubs and national teams from across the continent, creating some of the sport’s most memorable matches. From the glamour of the UEFA Champions League to the excitement of the European Championship, these tournaments give teams the chance to compete for major honours and supporters plenty to follow throughout the year.

European club competitions

The main men’s club competitions are organised by UEFA: the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League. Clubs qualify through their domestic league positions or, in some cases, by winning another European competition. The number of places available to each country depends on UEFA’s qualification rules and its clubs’ performances in Europe.

UEFA Champions League

The Champions League is European club football’s leading competition. It features many of the continent’s most successful and celebrated teams, with the season building towards a final played at a venue chosen in advance. Since the 2024–25 season, the competition has used a 36-club league phase. Each team plays eight matches against different opponents. The highest-placed clubs progress directly to the last 16, while teams finishing in the next group of places compete in play-offs for the remaining spots.

UEFA Europa League

The Europa League offers another route to continental success for clubs that qualify through their domestic campaigns. It also uses a 36-team league phase, with each team playing eight matches. The tournament is highly competitive, and winning it can bring both a major trophy and qualification for the following season’s Champions League.

UEFA Conference League

The Conference League gives more clubs the opportunity to play in European competition. Its 36-team league phase provides a platform for sides from a wide range of countries to test themselves against unfamiliar opposition. Teams play six league-phase matches, with the leading clubs advancing to the knockout rounds.

These competitions have separate league phases and knockout stages. A club’s finish in one competition does not automatically send it into another during the same campaign.

International tournaments

At national-team level, the UEFA European Championship—often called the Euros—is one of the world’s major football tournaments. It is held every four years and brings together qualified European national teams. The tournament includes a group stage followed by knockout matches, culminating in the final.

Between European Championships, teams also compete in UEFA Nations League campaigns. Nations are grouped according to their level, with promotion and relegation adding extra significance to matches. The competition provides meaningful fixtures beyond traditional friendlies and can also offer a route into qualifying play-offs for major tournaments.

World Cup qualifying is another important part of the European calendar. National teams compete for places at the FIFA World Cup, while European Championship qualifying determines which countries reach the next Euros.

Women’s European football

Women’s football has a growing schedule of European competitions. The UEFA Women’s Champions League brings together leading clubs from across the continent, while national teams compete in the UEFA Women’s European Championship and the Women’s Nations League. UEFA’s club programme continues to expand, giving more teams opportunities to compete at European level.

Why these competitions matter

European tournaments are about more than silverware. They create rivalries, showcase different styles of play and give players the chance to perform on major stages. For clubs, success can strengthen their reputation and finances; for national teams, it can unite supporters and create lasting memories. Together, Europe’s competitions form a packed and compelling part of the football calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions About European Football Competitions

How many European football tournaments are there?
What are the main football competitions?
How many European football competitions are there?
What are the five major European leagues?
Which football tournament is going on now in Europe?
What are the 3 European football competitions?
Is euro every 2 years or 4 years?
What are the main European football competitions?

How many European football tournaments are there?

There is no single fixed number of European football tournaments, as it depends on which competitions are included. UEFA organises three major men’s club tournaments—the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League—as well as national-team competitions such as the European Championship and Nations League. There are also women’s, youth and futsal tournaments, alongside domestic cup competitions in each country, so the total varies according to how broadly “European football tournaments” is defined.

What are the main football competitions?

The main football competitions include domestic leagues and cup tournaments, where clubs compete within their own countries, and international competitions between clubs or national teams. In Europe, the leading club tournaments are the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Conference League, while national teams compete in the UEFA European Championship, Nations League and World Cup qualifying. These competitions offer teams the chance to win major honours and qualify for further tournaments.

How many European football competitions are there?

There is no single fixed number of European football competitions, as it depends on what you include. UEFA runs three main men’s club tournaments—the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League—and several national-team competitions, including the European Championship and Nations League. There are also women’s and youth tournaments, domestic cup competitions, qualifying campaigns and other events, so the total varies by season and category.

What are the five major European leagues?

The five major European football leagues are generally considered to be the Premier League in England, La Liga in Spain, Serie A in Italy, the Bundesliga in Germany and Ligue 1 in France. They are known for their high standard of competition, internationally recognised clubs and players, and large global audiences. The order of these leagues can vary depending on the measure used, such as recent results in European competitions.

Which football tournament is going on now in Europe?

As of October 2026, the European football season is under way, with domestic leagues and UEFA club competitions taking place. The Champions League, Europa League and Conference League are typically in their league-phase schedules at this point in the season, although the matches on any particular day depend on the fixture list. Check the official UEFA website or your local broadcaster for today’s fixtures and kick-off times.

What are the 3 European football competitions?

The three main UEFA men’s club competitions are the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Conference League. Clubs qualify through their performances in domestic leagues and cup competitions, with the Champions League generally featuring the highest-ranked sides. Each tournament has its own league phase and knockout rounds, giving clubs across Europe the chance to compete for continental honours.

Is euro every 2 years or 4 years?

The UEFA European Championship, commonly known as the Euros, is held every four years. The 2020 tournament was postponed until 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but kept its Euro 2020 name. This is different from the UEFA Nations League, which generally runs in two-year cycles.

What are the main European football competitions?

The main European football competitions include UEFA’s three leading club tournaments: the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League. National teams compete in the UEFA European Championship, commonly known as the Euros, as well as the UEFA Nations League and qualifying campaigns for major tournaments. Women’s football has its own major events, including the UEFA Women’s Champions League and Women’s European Championship.

European Football Competitions: A Guide to Europe’s Biggest Tournaments