For the past month, we’ve all basically lived the same reality. Football. Football, and more football. We’ve had matches starting as early as 8PM and finishing as late as 5AM, and I know eager fans have been up to watch both. Safe to say, there have been quite a few red-eye moments at work these past few weeks. But that has all come to an end now. What hasn’t left us, though, is the feeling of coming together as a community and enjoying the thrill of a great match. Which is why sports fans across the UAE are all left with the same question: “What is the world’s next big sporting event now that the FIFA World Cup is over?” Luckily, I’ve got all the answers you want to know, so keep reading to find out what’s coming next!
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So… What’s Next?
Four years might feel like a lifetime for some, but thankfully the sporting calendar isn’t taking a break anytime soon.
1. FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 kicks off next year, making it the perfect follow-up for anyone already missing the excitement of the men’s tournament. Running from 24 June to 25 July 2027, the competition will be hosted in Brazil, marking the first time the Women’s World Cup has ever been held in South America. Thirty-two of the world’s best national teams will battle it out across eight Brazilian host cities, promising another month of incredible football, unforgettable goals and plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments.
2. UEFA Euro 2028
Football fans won’t have to wait until 2030 for another major international tournament. The UEFA European Championship returns in 2028, with matches set to take place across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Europe’s biggest football nations will once again battle it out for continental glory, and if previous editions are anything to go by, fans can expect unforgettable moments from start to finish.
3. Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympic Games
Even if football isn’t your number one sport, the 2028 Summer Olympics promise two weeks of incredible competition. Athletes from around the world will travel to Los Angeles to compete in everything from athletics and swimming to basketball, gymnastics, cycling and dozens of other events, making it one of the biggest sporting celebrations on the planet.
4. Formula 1 Never Really Stops
If your weekends still need a sporting fix, Formula 1 continues every year with races taking place around the world. For fans here in the UAE, the season traditionally ends in spectacular fashion with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, one of the most anticipated races on the Formula 1 calendar.
But When Is The FIFA World Cup Returning & What To Expect From It?
The next men’s FIFA World Cup is scheduled for 8 June to 21 July 2030. It will be the first World Cup ever held across three continents and six countries, making it one of the most unusual tournaments in football history.
Who Will Host It?
Most of the tournament will be played in:
- Spain
- Portugal
- Morocco
To mark 100 years since the first FIFA World Cup in 1930, three opening matches will also be played in:
- Uruguay
- Argentina
- Paraguay
After that, the rest of the tournament will move to the main host countries.
Why Is It Being Held In So Many Countries?
FIFA is using the 2030 tournament to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the World Cup. Uruguay hosted the first-ever World Cup in 1930, so the opening matches in South America are a tribute to where it all began.
What Can Fans Expect?
The 2030 World Cup is expected to be huge, with:
- 48 teams
- More than 100 matches
- Games across Europe, Africa and South America
- A massive global audience
Because matches will be spread across six countries, travelling fans may need to book flights and accommodation well in advance. If you’ve always wanted to experience a World Cup in person, this is definitely one to start planning for early.
The Countdown Has Already Begun
It’s never easy saying goodbye to another FIFA World Cup. After weeks of unforgettable goals, emotional celebrations, surprise upsets and unforgettable moments, it’s only natural to miss the excitement once it’s all comes to an end. But sports fans won’t have to wait forever for the next bug event!
