Top 8 Most Anticipated Soccer Matches In 2024
With soccer continuing it’s rule over the majority of sports globally, next year promises to bring one of the biggest occasions in the spotlight for ‘The Beautiful Game’ – with the return of an international tournament on the horizon as well.
With the Premier League hotting up ahead of the Christmas period, avid viewers of the English domestic division still have their team in mind when it comes to European competition – with representatives still within qualification distance across the trio of UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League tournaments.
Below, in no particular order, check out 8 of the most anticipated soccer matches as fans gear up for 2024.
UEFA Champions League Final
Last year’s finale seen Pep Guardiola guide Manchester City to a first European competition victory as part of a historic treble winning season for the Etihad Stadium side, who prevailed past Simone Inzaghi’s Internazionale side via a edge of the box finish from midfield engine, Rodri.
And at the time of publication, defending champions, Manchester City are current betting favorites to win the UEFA Champions League this season, ahead of Bundesliga side, Bayern Munich.
Betting on this season’s European cup is available almost globally for avid soccer fans – particularly with the use of a VeePN – with punting and betting on outright winners as well as a host of other prop bets on offer.
UEFA EURO 2024 Final
Defending champions, Italy of course failed to qualify for the last FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year, despite their EURO 2020 win over England on penalties to lift the cup – after distinct underdogs at 14/1 to win the trophy next summer.
Current betting favorites see Garth Southgate’s England national side emerge as betting favorites wo win UEFA EURO 2024, ahead of former winners and FIFA World Cup finalists, France.
Manchester City vs. Arsenal
Drawing first blood in their Premier League matchup back in October courtesy of a deflected effort from Brazilian forward, Gabrielle Martinelli, all eyes will be on the Etihad Stadium for a hugely-anticipated return fixture between Manchester City and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side come March of next year, ahead of what promises to be a tense Premier League run in.
El Clasico
As always, La Liga stalwarts and decorated side, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid draw massive viewing figures each season – with evidence of that prominant in Los Blancos 2-1 win against the former through a late winner from English midfield maestro, Jude Bellingham. And next year, all eyes turn to the Santiago Bernabeu in late April, as Madrid take on Blaugrana.
Manchester City vs. Manchester United
Depsite thumping Erik ten Hag’s side at Old Trafford by three goals to nil earlier this season, defending Premier League champions, Manchester City kick-off a busy March period in 2024 with a return fixture against Manchester United at the Etihad Arena – which is sure to bring in a host of fans and viewers.
Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund
Bundesliga standouts, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund close out a massive weekend of European football next March – as BVB travel to the Allianz Arena, attempting to avenge a 4-0 throttling by Bayern at the beginning of this month. As ever, with Bundesliga football more accessible than ever, fans are sure to anticipate a massive clash in March of next year.
2024 Copa América Final
Whilst European teams take on each other at UEFA EURO 2024 next summers, sides in South America battle it out to determine the next Copa América championships winners, with FIFA World Cup winners, Argentina attempting to bring home their whopping 16th tournament win following a 2021 final win over arch-rivals, Brazil.
2024 African Cup of Nations Final
Taking place at the beginning of the year in January, the African Cup of Nations returns to schedule, with defending champions, Senegal attempting to land just their sophomore title after winning the tournament for the first time in their history back in January of last year. Other hopefuls attempting to win the tournament come in the form of Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, and Cote D’Ivore.