Following the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2026, football enthusiasts can turn their attention to a variety of club and international competitions. The tournament, which featured 48 nations and 104 matches, leaves a significant gap in the sporting calendar, but several events are set to commence shortly.

African nations will be the first to resume action with the Women’s AFCON (WAFCON) 2026, hosted by Morocco. The opening match will feature the host nation against Kenya, with Nigeria aiming to defend their title. This tournament provides a platform for national teams to showcase their talent and prepare for future international fixtures.

Before the major European leagues restart, the UEFA Super Cup 2026 will take place on Wednesday, August 12. This match pits the winners of the UEFA Champions League and Europa League from the 2025-26 season against each other. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), winners of the 2025 edition, will face Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, for the coveted trophy.

The UEFA Champions League, the pinnacle of European club football, will begin its new season in the second week of September. The draw for the league stage, featuring 36 teams, will be held on August 27 in Nyon, Switzerland. This competition culminates in May 2027, offering a full season of elite club competition.

Fans of English football can also look forward to the start of the Premier League, although the exact date for its commencement was not specified in the provided material. The resumption of club football across Europe's major leagues, including the Premier League and La Liga, will fill the void left by the World Cup. News of player transfers and managerial changes is expected to dominate headlines as teams prepare for the new season.

Beyond these major tournaments, national teams will also recommence their qualification campaigns for various regional and international competitions. This ensures a continuous flow of international football action throughout the year, offering fans opportunities to support their national teams.

The calendar shift from a month-long global spectacle to the resumption of domestic and continental club rivalries marks a significant transition for the sport. The engagement generated by the World Cup, with its 308 goals scored, sets a high bar for the upcoming club seasons.

With the Women's AFCON kicking off soon after the World Cup final and the UEFA Super Cup preceding the league restarts, fans will have a relatively short period to wait before their favorite teams are back in action. The Champions League draw will further build anticipation for the elite club competition.