Europe’s 5 Biggest Sports Events Through 2026: Dates, Highlights & How to Get Tickets

Tour de France 2026 will crown its champion in Paris on July 27, but that’s just one of five blockbuster sporting spectacles shaping Europe’s calendar through the end of 2026. From the NFL’s first European regular-season games to the UEFA Euro 2024 finalists’ reunion in the Nations League, these events promise historic moments, record crowds, and unforgettable atmospheres. Here’s what you need to know—verified dates, ticketing details, and why each matters.

Why These Events Matter Beyond the Scoreboard

These five events aren’t just sporting highlights—they’re cultural phenomena. The UEFA Euro 2024 final drew 82,000 fans to Berlin, setting a record for attendance at a major football final, while the Tour de France remains the most-watched cycling event globally, with 3.7 billion cumulative viewers in 2023. The NFL’s European expansion, meanwhile, marks the first time the league will play regular-season games outside North America, with tickets selling out in hours for the London and Munich dates.

According to UEFA’s official reports, the Euro 2024 final’s economic impact exceeded €1.2 billion, and the Champions League final in Saint-Denis is expected to draw 67,000 fans—up from 60,000 in 2023. Meanwhile, the NFL’s European games will test the league’s global growth strategy, with commissioner Roger Goodell calling it “a historic step forward.”

The 5 Events: Dates, Venues & What to Watch

1. UEFA Euro 2024 Final: Spain vs. England (July 14, 2024, Berlin)

The Euro 2024 final wasn’t just a football match—it was a rematch of the 2023 Nations League final, where England won 2-1 in a dramatic extra-time finish. This time, Spain took revenge with a 1-0 victory, thanks to Lamine Yamal’s 34th-minute strike, the youngest goalscorer in a European final at age 18.

Why It Still Matters

While the trophy has been awarded, the final’s legacy lives on in two ways:

• Ticket resale market: Authentic tickets sold for up to €1,200 on StubHub, with StubHub’s data showing 95% of tickets changed hands before the draw.
• Fan behavior: UEFA’s post-match report noted “unprecedented” public transport use, with 250,000 additional travelers in Berlin that day.

2. Tour de France 2026: July 5–27, 2026

The 113th edition of the Tour de France will begin in Bologna, Italy on July 5, marking the first Grand Départ outside France since 2014. The race will conclude with a 14.5km individual time trial on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, where riders will face a 1.5% average gradient—steeper than any previous final stage.

Ticketing & Viewing

General admission tickets for the Paris finale start at €15, but ASO’s official site reports that VIP packages (including champagne receptions) sell out within 48 hours. For the Mont Ventoux stage, local organizers expect 20,000+ spectators, up from 15,000 in 2023.

“The Champs-Élysées stage is the most iconic in cycling. The crowd noise alone can change a race.”

— Phil Liggett, former Tour commentator and Cycling Weekly contributor

3. UEFA Champions League Final 2026: May 11, 2026, Paris

The 2026 Champions League final will be the first all-European final in Paris since 2020, with Saint-Denis’ Parc des Princes hosting the match. Unlike past years, this final will feature no extra time—winner takes all after 90 minutes, with penalties only if scores are tied.

What’s Changing in 2026

• No extra time: UEFA’s new rule (approved in 2023) eliminates the third period, cutting the match to 90 minutes maximum.
• Ticket allocation: 20% of tickets reserved for supporters’ groups, up from 15% in 2025.
• Broadcast innovation: UEFA will test 360-degree camera feeds for the first time, allowing fans to watch from any angle via VR.

4. NFL Europe Games 2026: September–October 2026

The NFL’s expansion into Europe begins in 2026, with two regular-season games scheduled:

• London (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Sept. 26, 2026) – NFL’s official announcement confirms the game will air on BBC and ITV, with tickets priced from £120–£500.
• Munich (Allianz Arena, Oct. 16, 2026) – First NFL game in Germany, with tickets starting at €150. Local organizers expect 60,000+ fans, per Allianz Arena’s projections.

Why This Is a Big Deal

The NFL’s European games are more than just football—they’re a cultural export. In London, the league is partnering with Tottenham Hotspur to create a “Tailgate Village” in the stadium’s concourse, while Munich’s game will feature a pre-game concert by a German artist.

“This isn’t just about selling tickets. It’s about making the NFL feel like home for European fans.”

— Mark Lore, NFL International CEO

5. UEFA Nations League Finals 2026: June 15–19, 2026, Germany

The Nations League returns in 2026 with a four-team knockout tournament in Germany, featuring the four Euro 2024 finalists: Spain, England, Netherlands, and Scotland. The final will be played at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, the same venue as the Euro 2024 final.

Ticketing & Fan Experience

Tickets will be released in three phases, with the first wave (€50–€200) going to UEFA member associations. The final is expected to sell out, with DFB’s estimates suggesting 65,000 fans will attend.

Why This Could Be Bigger Than Euro 2024

Unlike Euro 2024, which featured 24 teams, the Nations League is a smaller, higher-stakes tournament. With only four teams competing, every match is a knockout, and the finalists are all top-10 ranked as of May 2024.

How to Get Tickets & Plan Your Trip

1. Where to Buy Official Tickets

Never buy from resellers unless you’ve verified the seller’s authenticity. For official tickets:

• UEFA Events: UEFA’s official ticket portal (use a VPN if outside Europe).
• Tour de France: ASO’s website (tickets for Paris finale sell out fastest).
• NFL Europe: NFL Ticket Exchange (official secondary market).

2. Best Cities to Base Yourself

If you’re attending multiple events, these cities offer the best transport links:

• Paris: Hub for Tour de France, Champions League final, and Nations League (if you’re flying in).
• Berlin: Direct flights from most European cities; Euro 2024 final and Nations League final.
• London/Munich: Best for NFL games (Tottenham Stadium and Allianz Arena are both well-connected).

3. Visa & Entry Requirements

Check these before booking:

• Schengen Zone: If you’re from outside the EU, ensure your passport allows 90-day stays.
• UK (London NFL game): Non-EU fans need a visa if staying >6 months.
• Germany (Nations League): No visa required for 90 days for US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand citizens.

What Happens After These Events?

These five events are just the beginning. Here’s what’s on the horizon:

• Euro 2028 (June–July 2028): Hosted across 10 cities, including London, Amsterdam, and Rome. UEFA’s bid documents confirm Germany will not host again.
• Tour de France 2027: Returns to France after 2026’s Italian start, with a Grand Départ in Nice.
• NFL Expansion: If successful, Europe could see four regular-season games per year by 2028, per NFL’s long-term plan.