When Football Season Starts: Global Schedule Guide

By Sarah Miller · July 8, 2051

The football season start varies by league and region, but in most professional leagues like the NFL and major European competitions, the season typically begins in August or September and runs through December or January, with playoffs extending into early February.

When Does Football Season Start Around the World?

Football, known as soccer in some countries, follows a seasonal calendar that differs based on geography, climate, and league structure. The start date of the football season depends heavily on whether it's in North America, Europe, South America, or Asia.

Major Leagues and Their Season Start Dates

NFL (American Football): Regular season starts mid-September after preseason games in August.
English Premier League (EPL): Typically kicks off in early August.
La Liga (Spain): Begins in mid-to-late August.
Bundesliga (Germany): Starts in late August.
MLS (USA/Canada): Begins in late February or early March.
Ligue 1 (France): Starts in early August.

Factors Influencing Football Season Start Dates

Several factors determine when a football season begins:

Climate: Leagues in colder regions avoid winter months for outdoor play.
International Fixtures: FIFA international match windows affect domestic league scheduling.
Champions League & Continental Competitions: Top clubs participate in midweek matches, requiring adjusted calendars.
Media Rights & Broadcasting: Networks influence kickoff times and dates for maximum viewership.
Player Rest & Recovery: Offseason length ensures athletes are physically prepared.

Comparison of Football Seasons: Start and End Dates

League	Country	Season Start	Season End	Duration (Months)	Games Played
English Premier League	England	August 10	May 19	9	38
La Liga	Spain	August 16	June 1	10	38
Bundesliga	Germany	August 23	May 17	9	34
Serie A	Italy	August 18	May 25	9	38
Ligue 1	France	August 9	May 18	9	38
NFL	USA	September 5	January 5	4	17
MLS	USA/Canada	February 29	December 7	10	34

Table data source:1, 2, 3, 4, 5

The data shows that European leagues generally begin in August and last around 9–10 months, while the NFL has a shorter but more intense season starting in September. MLS spans nearly a full year due to the North American sports calendar. The number of games varies significantly, with NFL teams playing only 17 regular-season games compared to 38 in top European leagues.

Preseason vs Regular Season: What’s the Difference?

Many leagues have a preseason phase before the official start of competition:

Preseason: Used for team training, fitness testing, friendly matches, and tactical preparation.
Regular Season: Official matches that count toward league standings and championships.
Postseason (Playoffs): Occurs after the regular season; includes knockout rounds and finals.

In the NFL, preseason games begin in early August, but the regular season starts in September. In contrast, European football leagues rarely have formal preseason competitions but schedule exhibition matches during summer breaks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Football Season Start

When does the English Premier League season start in 2025?

The 2025–2026 English Premier League season is scheduled to begin on August 16, 2025, following the traditional August kickoff used since 2020.

Does the football season start at the same time every year?

No, exact start dates vary slightly each year based on TV schedules, international tournaments, and holiday calendars, but most leagues maintain consistent seasonal patterns.

Why does the NFL season start later than European football leagues?

The NFL season starts in September to avoid competing with Major League Baseball and college football, which dominate summer and early fall in the U.S. sports market.

How long is a typical football season?

A typical European football season lasts about 9–10 months, from August to May. The NFL season lasts around 4 months for the regular season, with playoffs extending into February.

What happens if a football season is delayed?

Seasons can be delayed due to pandemics, extreme weather, or political events. Leagues may compress schedules, extend into summer, or cancel matches if necessary.