This summer’s European Championship allows football fans from around the continent to dream about their sides winning the prestigious silver trophy. The competition, held in Germany, captures the imagination of football fans all over Europe, and those England supporters assessing the Livescore football odds will know this is the best chance the Three Lions have had for glory in years.
Indeed, Gareth Southgate’s final squad has been announced, and with world-class players like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden looking to light up the Euros, it’s certainly an exciting time to be an England fan.
Victory in Germany would be the first time England have won the Euros, and would be the first international trophy the Three Lions have picked up since 1966. But how does the European Championship compare to some of the biggest competitions in the beautiful game?
Across club and international, silverware is the currency of success for every fan, and in this article, we discuss the most important trophies from across the globe. Read on, as we look at the world’s biggest football tournaments.
FIFA World Cup
The pinnacle of international football, the FIFA World Cup, takes place every four years. Nations battle fiercely for the coveted trophy. Usually held in the summer, the last edition of the tournament in 2022 saw hosts Qatar move the dates to a winter format, and while it was a controversial move, the tournament had a unique feel about it that was eventually welcomed by neutrals.
From Pele’s magic in 1970 to Maradona’s “Hand of God” in 1986, the World Cup has given us iconic moments. The next edition awaits in 2026, where North American nations Canada, Mexico, and the United States will split the responsibilities of hosting the biggest tournament in the game.
UEFA European Championship (Euros)
Europe’s finest clash is the UEFA Euros. Held every four years, this tournament showcases top talents from countries like Germany, France, and Spain. The passion, the anthems, and the knockout drama make it a must-watch. The competition has seen some underdogs rise to glory, such as Denmark in 1992 and Greece in 2004, who beat Portugal in Lison at odds of 150/1.
Copa America
South America’s pride, the Copa America, pits Brazil, Argentina, and other football giants against each other. There have been plenty of upsets in recent years too, with underdogs such as Chile and Uruguay snatching the trophy away from the big boys, with Lionel Messi having to wait until 2021 to finally win in the Maracanã.
The samba flair, hard work of the sides, and some brilliant dribbles light up the tournament. The Copa is a celebration of Latin expression.
Champions League
Club football’s ultimate showdown, the UEFA Champions League, features Europe’s elite clubs. From Real Madrid’s dominance, showcased by their 15th win this season after beating Borussia Dortmund at Wembley, to Liverpool’s “Miracle of Istanbul,” this competition delivers spine-tingling moments. The classic anthem echoes across stadiums as stars collide.
Copa Libertadores
South America’s club equivalent to the Champions League, the Copa Libertadores, is a fierce battle. River Plate, Boca Juniors, Flamengo—these clubs fight for supremacy. The passionate fans, intense rivalries, and historic stadiums create an unforgettable spectacle. The unpredictability of the tournament is showcased by its list of winners, and while Brazilian clubs have dominated in recent years, it’s rare a team retains the title in consecutive seasons.
