European football leagues kick off in August after Spain's 2026 World Cup win

Spain won the 2026 FIFA World Cup, beating Argentina 1‑0 in extra time, securing its second title. Following the tournament, the five major European leagues have announced their opening dates.

LaLiga in Spain starts on 15 August, the English Premier League on 21 August, Italy’s Serie A on 22‑24 August, France’s Ligue 1 on 21‑23 August, and Germany’s Bundesliga on 28‑30 August. Other top‑flight competitions begin later in the month: the Scottish Premiership on 31 July, the Cypriot league on 29‑30 August, the Dutch Eredivisie, Portugal’s Primeira Liga and Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League on 7 August, Turkey’s Süper Lig on 14 August, and several Eastern European leagues – Croatia, Austria, Serbia, Switzerland, Denmark and Romania – launching between 24 July and 31 July.

Analysts note Europe’s dominance at the World Cup, contrasting with a slump for Latin American nations, and foresee continued European strength in upcoming club competitions.