We are gradually approaching the end of the 2025/26 season. With April almost here, major European competitions are entering their decisive stages. Whether you are following the top five leagues or major tournaments, April promises a packed schedule of high-profile fixtures. Below is an overview of some of the most notable upcoming matchups.  [banner][/banner]

Major Upcoming Football Fixtures in April 2026

European competitions take centre stage. We’re close to the ultimate showdown, and the quarter-finals are about to begin in the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. Here is a look at the key ties.

Champions League

The new Champions League format doesn’t disappoint. One of the standout moments so far has been Sporting’s remarkable comeback after overturning a 0-3 first-leg deficit. Elsewhere, Real Madrid will take on Bayern, while PSG will face Liverpool.

  • Sporting vs Arsenal – April 7
  • Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich – April 7
  • Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid – April 8
  • PSG vs Liverpool – April 8

Europa League

The Europa League is a direct route into the Champions League for the eventual winners. Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, are among the leading contenders for the trophy.

  • Braga vs Betis – April 8
  • Freiburg vs Celta Vigo – April 9
  • Porto vs Nottingham – April 9
  • Bologna vs Aston Villa – April 9

Conference League

The Conference League quarter-finals are also taking shape. Crystal Palace and Strasbourg are considered among the favourites, although low-profile clubs can also put up resistance, as it is a chance for them to qualify for the Europa League.

  • Rayo Vallecano vs AEK Athens – April 9
  • Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina – April 9
  • Mainz vs Strasbourg – April 9
  • Shakhtar Donetsk vs Alkmaar – April 9

Top European Competitions in April 2026

The top five European leagues will resume after the international break. Below are some of the most anticipated matches scheduled for April.

Premier League

Arsenal are close to clinching the elusive trophy, which they last won in 2004. Mikel Arteta’s men sit nine points clear of Manchester City, but the latter have a game in hand. The Cityzens recently defeated Arsenal 0-2 in the EFL Cup. Despite their strong position, the pressure remains high on the Gunners, who are also competing in both the FA Cup and the Champions League. These are some of the key fixtures to watch.

  • Chelsea vs Manchester City – April 12
  • Everton vs Liverpool – April 19
  • Manchester City vs Arsenal – April 19

Bundesliga

Bayern lead the Bundesliga table comfortably with 70 points, nine ahead of the second-placed Borussia Dortmund. They’ve already scored 97 goals and, with seven rounds remaining, are close to breaking the long-standing record of 101 goals. Hoffenheim have dropped to fifth position after failing to win their last three matches. The following fixtures promise plenty of action. 

  • Stuttgart vs Dortmund – April 4
  • Dortmund vs Bayern Leverkusen – April 11
  • Bayern Munich vs Stuttgart – April 19

Serie A

It once appeared that the title race was over in Serie A, but Inter have dropped seven points across their last three matches. They now sit six points ahead of AC Milan, and the third-placed Napoli are also firmly in the race for the Scudetto. With eight rounds remaining in the campaign, the following fixtures could prove decisive.

  • Inter vs Roma – April 5
  • Napoli vs Milan – April 6
  • Milan vs Juventus – April 26

La Liga

The LaLiga title race isn’t over, with Barcelona leading on 73 points and Real Madrid close behind on 69. However, Raphinha’s injury could have a huge impact on the Blaugrana’s performance, as he’s one of the team’s key offensive contributors. Kylian Mbappe leads the scoring charts with 23 goals, while Kosovo international Vedat Muriqi surprisingly follows with 18. These are three of the standout fixtures in April.

  • Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona – April 4
  • Athletic Club vs Villarreal – April 12
  • Betis vs Real Madrid – April 25

Ligue 1

PSG lead the table with 60 points and still have a game in hand. Lens are close behind with 59 points and remain firmly in contention for the title. At the other end of the table, Metz and Nantes appear to be in serious danger of relegation, currently occupying the bottom two places with 14 and 17 points respectively. Among the most notable upcoming fixtures are the following encounters.

  • Monaco vs Marseille – April 5
  • Lens vs PSG – April 11
  • PSG vs Lyon – April 19

Additional Sports Events to Consider

Alongside football, major events in basketball, tennis and golf will also take place in April. Below are some of the key competitions to watch.

NBA Playoffs

The 2026 NBA Playoffs begin on April 18, following the SoFi Play-In Tournament on April 14-17. The postseason retains its familiar format. 16 teams qualify across the Eastern and Western Conferences, with each round played as a best-of-seven series until a champion is crowned.  The full list of playoff teams will be confirmed at the end of the regular season on April 12. Among the leading stars to follow during the postseason are Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.  [banner_third][/banner_third]

Monte-Carlo Masters

The 2026 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters runs from April 5 to April 12. The qualifying round starts on April 4 at the Monte Carlo Country Club in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. It’s one of the ATP Tour’s prestigious Masters 1000 events and the first major clay-court stop of the European season. The tournament is played outdoors on clay, featuring a 56-player singles draw and doubles competition, with the winner earning 1,000 ranking points. Carlos Alcaraz arrives as the defending champion.

2026 Masters Tournament (Golf)

The 2026 Masters Tournament takes place from April 9-12 at the iconic Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, marking the 90th edition of golf’s most tradition-rich major. Played over four rounds (72 holes, par 72), the event follows its classic stroke-play format. The week also includes practice rounds and the famous Par 3 Contest before competition begins. The field is expected to feature big names such as Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, and Tiger Woods. [faq][/faq]