Odd years tend to have fewer events than even years. The men’s World Cups, the European Championship and the Copa América have a tradition in even years. Regardless, there is plenty of football action in 2023.
Here are some dates to mark on your calendar.
The most important football events in 2023
February 1-11, 2023: FIFA Club World Cup
The 2023 edition will feature the Seattle Sounders as the representative of the CONCACAF region. The Sounders are making history as the first MLS club to represent CONCACAF. The tournament is held in Morocco with Wydad Athletic Club and Al Ahly representing Africa. Real Madrid (UEFA) and Flamengo (CONMEBOL) are the favourites. Finally, Al-Hilal (AFC) and Aukland City (Oceania) complete the competition.
In the United States, FOX Sports and Telemundo Deportes are covering the event.
14 February 2023: UEFA Champions League round of 16
The knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League kicks off on February 14 with two great games. Reigning Scudetto winners AC Milan take on Tottenham Hotspur. In addition, the tie of the year between PSG and Bayern Munich begins.
The round of 16 runs until March 15. You can follow the UEFA Champions League action in the US on CBS Sports/Paramount+ and Univision.
March 23, 2023: Euro 2024 Qualifying
The qualification for Euro 2024 begins this day with a great showdown. Euro 2020 champion Italy hosts Euro 2020 runner-up in the first match of group C.
US television rights in the US are held by FOX Sports and Univision with fuboTV airing many of the qualifiers in an agreement with FOX.
May 20 – June 11, 2023: FIFA U-20 World Cup
The United States will participate in this year’s Under-20 World Cup in Indonesia as one of four CONCACAF teams (the other three are the Dominican Republic, Guatemala and Honduras). A tournament worth watching with fluid football from young talents who in the near future may become household names. As with all FIFA tournaments, the current English-language rights holder in the US is FOX Sports.
May 31, 2023: Europa League Final
This year it will be held in Budapest, Hungary. CBS Sports and Univision.
June 3, 2023: FA Cup Final
US TV Rights: ESPN+
June 7, 2023: Europa Conference League final
To be held in Prague, Czech Republic. Coverage on CBS Sports and Univision.
June 10, 2023: UEFA Champions League Final
To be held in Istanbul, Turkey. Televised by CBS Sports and Univision.
June 14-18, 2023: UEFA Nations League final
The Netherlands will host the final four of the UEFA Nations League with the hosts, Croatia, Italy and Spain. FOX Sports owns the English language rights to American television.
June 16 – July 16, 2023: AFC Asian Cup
The top 24 nations of the Asian Confederation participate in this tournament that takes place in Qatar (originally scheduled for China). CBS Sports has the rights to this tournament in the United States. Many of the games are on Paramount+.
July 20 – August 20, 2023: FIFA Women’s World Cup
The 2023 Women’s World Cup is the highlight of this year’s biggest soccer events. It is the first edition with 32 teams. Australia and New Zealand co-sponsor the competition. FOX Sports and Telemundo have television rights in the US.
August 16, 2023: UEFA Super Cup
Another season of European football starts on August 16 with the traditional meeting of the winners of the Champions League and Europa League. CBS Sports and Univision.
Photo: IMAGO / Bihlmayerfotografie
