After an electric summer crowned by the historic 2025 Club World Cup – the first tournament expanded to 32 teams, where Chelsea lifted the trophy to the ovations of New York – the footballing landscape is preparing to vibrate to the rhythm of the national championships. From mid-August, the five major European championships will begin a promising 2025-2026 season, while dynamic leagues like those of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Morocco will amplify this global excitement.
Strategic calendar: a staggered recovery to maximize the audience
Friday August 15: Three giants launch their operations simultaneously. The English Premier League will open the ball with a clash between Arsenal and Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium. In Spain, La Liga promises a Clásico early with Real Madrid facing Atlético Bilbao. In France, Ligue 1 is banking on an explosive northern duel: LOSC Lille hosts Olympique de Marseille under the spotlight of Pierre-Mauroy.
Friday August 22: The German Bundesliga will resume with a symbolic poster pitting Borussia Dortmund against RB Leipzig, an immediate test for the ambitions of reigning champion Bayern Munich.
Saturday August 23: Closing of the European wave with the Italian Serie A. Inter Milan, holders of the scudetto, will face Juventus in an « Italian Derby » from the first day – a high-tension start.
The emergence of global leagues: new lands of passion
Saudi Championship : Launch Sunday August 17 with Al-Hilal against Al-Nassr. A star-studded meeting where Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar could face each other, a sign of the growing ambition of the league.
Turkish Süper Lig: Start Saturday August 16 with an Istanbul derby between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray, a shock still boiling at the Şükrü Saracoğlu stadium.
Moroccan Botola Pro: Resumption Friday 22 August with a classic: Wydad of Casablanca faces Raja CA, in a guaranteed atmosphere at the Mohammed V Stadium.
This resumption promises to be all the more unpredictable as the Club World Cup revealed European teams in training. Barça, eliminated early, will try to redeem itself in La Liga, while PSG, unfortunate finalist, is counting on its new coach Antonio Conte to dominate Ligue 1. Summer transfers – including that, surprise, of Kevin De Bruyne to Saudi Arabia – add a fascinating strategic layer.
The overlapping calendars (Europe + emerging leagues) could shake up the TV rights market, with broadcasters like beIN Sports and DAZN already in battle for the flagship matches. The fans will have to juggle between time zones: a real football marathon until May 2026!
AZ-EDDINE AALLABOUCH
