With January nearing its end, we are entering a new month that brings more excitement and entertainment. As the Champions League and Europa League league phases are finished, we now know pairings and paths for the clubs. In February, there will be no international breaks, allowing domestic championships and European competitions to take central stage. Make sure to follow our comprehensive review to discover what February has in store.  [banner][/banner]

Major Upcoming Football Fixtures in February 2026

The top three European tournaments headline the month. Below is a brief overview, along with some of the standout knockout matches to take into account.

Champions League

The final day of the UCL league phase was filled with drama. It saw Real Madrid knocked out of the top eight, while Benfica qualified in the final minute thanks to a header from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.  Sporting are perhaps the least anticipated team in the top eight. Arsenal, Bayern, Liverpool, Tottenham, Barcelona, Chelsea, and Man City join the Portuguese side. With the draw already announced, here are the top matches to consider:

  • Benfica vs Real Madrid - February 18
  • Dortmund vs Atalanta - February 18
  • Bodo/Glimt vs Inter - February 18

Europa League

The Europa League league phase was equally compelling. Lyon, Aston Villa, Midtjylland, Real Betis, Porto, Braga, Freiburg, and Roma finished as the top eight teams.  As in previous seasons, every team will be motivated to go far in the competition. Winning the trophy once again guarantees direct qualification for the Champions League league phase. Be sure to follow these games in February:

  • Celtic vs Stuttgart - February 20
  • Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest - February 20
  • Brann vs Bologna - February 20

Conference League

The Conference League league phase concluded in December. Strasbourg, Rakow, AEK Athens, Sparta Prague, Rayo Vallecano, Shakhtar, Mainz, and AEK Larnaca managed to qualify directly. Crystal Palace, one of the main favourites to win the competition, were left out of the top eight. Among the most-anticipated games in February are:

  • Zrinjski vs Crystal Palace - February 19
  • Noah vs Alkmaar - February 19
  • Jagiellonia vs Fiorentina - February 19

Top European Competitions in February 2026

Domestic European competitions will also dominate the headlines in February. Below, we highlight the top five tournaments and the matches you shouldn’t miss. 

Premier League

Despite losing 2-3 to Manchester United, Arsenal are still four points clear of Man City and Aston Villa. While the Gunners’ playing style is frequently criticised, the fans want nothing but a trophy after waiting for over 20 years. Liverpool are yet to win their first Premier League match this year. With the race ongoing, here are the fixtures to follow:

  • Liverpool vs Manchester City - February 8
  • Tottenham vs Arsenal - February 22
  • Leeds vs Manchester City - February 28

Bundesliga

Bayern’s hopes of finishing the Bundesliga without a single loss were shattered. Vincent Kompany’s men were beaten 1-2 by Augsburg, and matching Leverkusen’s historic record will have to wait for a future campaign. Hoffenheim continue to showcase excellent attacking football. They’re third with 39 points, while Leipzig come next with 36. Here are the matches that we’ve picked for February:

  • Bayern Munich vs Hoffenheim - February 8
  • RB Leipzig vs Dortmund - February 21
  • Dortmund vs Bayern Munich - February 28

Serie A

Following inconsistent performances from Milan and Napoli, Inter have extended their lead to five points. Cristian Chivu’s side possess strong squad depth and are the clear favourites to claim the Scudetto.  Como under Cesc Fabregas are also chasing a top-four finish. With 40 points, they trail Napoli by just three. February promises several exciting fixtures, including:

  • Juventus vs Lazio - February 8
  • Inter vs Juventus - February 15
  • Napoli vs Roma - February 15

La Liga

Xabi Alonso’s departure from Real Madrid led to the appointment of Alvaro Arbeloa. Los Blancos sit second in the table, a point behind league leaders Barcelona, who have recently lost their first La Liga game since October 2025. Following their horrible performance in the Champions League, Villarreal will aim to finish in the top four. Notable La Liga fixtures in February include:

  • Valencia vs Real Madrid - February 8
  • Girona vs Barcelona - February 17
  • Osasuna vs Real Madrid - February 22

Ligue 1

PSG leapfrogged Lens after the latter were beaten 3-1 by Marseille. Luis Enrique’s men may not be as dominant as in previous seasons, but they remain the main candidates to win their fifth title in a row. Endrick’s arrival at Lyon has been a major talking point. The Brazilian has brought the spark to the team, making Lyon genuine challengers to Marseille, Lens, and PSG. In the meantime, make sure to follow these fixtures: 

  • PSG vs Marseille - February 8
  • Rennes vs PSG - February 15
  • Lens vs Monaco - February 22

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Additional Sports Events to Consider

Football is not the only sport to watch in February. The Winter Olympics and the NBA All-Star Game will also capture global attention.

2026 Winter Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as Milano Cortina 2026, will take place in Italy from February 6 to 22, 2026. The Games will be co-hosted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, with additional events held in Livigno, Val di Fiemme, and other Alpine locations. More than 2,900 athletes from over 90 countries are expected to compete across 16 winter sports and 116 medal events. Fans will see classic disciplines such as alpine skiing, biathlon, ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating, and snowboarding, alongside ski mountaineering, which will make its Olympic debut. The opening ceremony will be staged at Milan’s San Siro Stadium, while the closing ceremony is planned for Verona.

2026 NBA All-Star Game

The 75th edition of the All-Star Game will be played on Sunday, February 15, 2026. This year’s game features a new round-robin format with three teams, including two made up of American players and one international squad. All-Star Weekend also includes the Rising Stars challenge for top rookies and sophomores, the Slam Dunk Contest, three-point and skills competitions, and a celebrity game. [faq][/faq]