If you’re planning your next trip around live sports, you’re in luck. The calendar for sports in Europe is packed with exciting events through 2026, from the Champions League finals and tennis Grand Slams to Formula 1 weekends and major city-wide competitions.

We put together this quick guide for where to go, what to see, and where to crash after the final whistle.

Read on for your ultimate guide to Europe’s top sports events

⚽️ 🎾 🏒

🏈 NFL International Games 202

Sports in Europe: American Football Players in action on the field
The football players are leaving it all on the field

The NFL International Games have become some of the most exciting sports events in Europe. In fall 2026, fans can look forward to games in Munich and Paris, where American football brings a unique atmosphere to iconic European stadiums. Expect packed stands, a mix of local fans and traveling supporters, and plenty of entertainment around the games. So far, only one team per matchup has been confirmed, which adds an extra layer of anticipation as fans wait to see who will take the field.

📅 Fall 2026 – Detroit Lions in Munich

📍 Munich, Allianz Arena  
🛎️ Stay: MEININGER Hotel Munich Olympiapark

📅 Fall 2026 – New Orleans Saints in Paris

📍 Paris, Stade de France 
🛎️ Stay: MEININGER Hotel Paris Porte de Vincennes

🏒 EuroHockey Championships & Trophies 

🗓️ April 3–6, 2026 – EuroHockey Club Trophy I (Men & Women) 

📍 Vienna, Austria 
🛎️ Stay: in one of the 2 MEININGER hotels in Vienna

 Both men’s and women’s tournaments roll into spring. Between matches, stroll along the Danube or grab a Wiener schnitzel. 

🗓️ May 21–24, 2026 – EuroHockey Club Trophy II (Men) 

📍 Rome, Italy 
🛎️ Stay: MEININGER Roma Termini 

Hockey meets Italian flair. The crowd’s passionate, the food’s unreal, and every game’s like a fun event. 

🗓️ July 9–12, 2026 – EHCQ I (Men) 

📍 Rome, Italy 
🛎️ Stay: MEININGER Roma Termini 

 Summer hockey under the Roman sun? Yes, it’s gonna be as fun as it sounds. 

Sports in Europe: Two field hockey players battling for the ball on a blue pitch
A close match under the sun

🗓️ July 26 – August 1, 2026 – EuroHockey U21 Championship II-B (Women)  

📍 Vienna, Austria 
🛎️ Stay: MEININGER Hotel Vienna Downtown Sissi or Franz 

Future stars hit the rink for this one. Vienna’s mix of historic charm and buzzing nightlife makes it the perfect spot to catch the next generation of champions. 

⚽ Champions League Final 

🗓️ May 30, 2026 

The biggest night in European football. No matter who makes it, this will be one for the books. Fans flood every street, bars overflow, and the atmosphere is pure joy. 

📍 Budapest, Hungary – Puskás Aréna  
🛎️ Stay: MEININGER Budapest Great Market Hall 

🎾 Tennis season: classic European traditions

🗓️ May–June 2026

📍Paris, Roland-Garros
🛎️ Stay: MEININGER Hotel Paris Porte de Vincennes

Tennis is one of the most iconic parts of European sports culture attracting thousands of fans every year. The French Grand Slam Tournament brings clay courts and a relaxed Paris vibe.

🏎️ Formula 1: Summer of speed 

🗓️ June 4–7, 2026 – Monaco Grand Prix 

📍 Monte Carlo, Monaco 
🛎️ Stay: MEININGER Hotel Marseille Centre La Joliette (perfect for a road trip to Monte Carlo) 

 Nothing screams glamour like Monaco in June! You can make it part of a sports-focused road trip from Marseille to get the best of both cities. 

🗓️ June 11–15, 2026 – Barcelona Grand Prix 

📍 Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain 
🛎️ Stay: MEININGER Hotel Barcelona Fira Gran Via 

Sun, speed, sangria, all in one weekend. The race, the beach, and the nightlife make this one a no-brainer. 

🗓️ September 3–7, 2026 – Italian Grand Prix 

📍 Monza, Italy 
🛎️ Stay: in one of the 2 MEININGER hotels in Milan (and make it a quick, fun road trip) 


The “Temple of Speed” closes out the F1 summer with pure adrenaline. Red everywhere, fans everywhere, espresso everywhere. Classic Italy.   

Sports in Europe: Crowd waving Ferrari flags at a lively race event
Pure racing vibes – the crowd goes wild for Ferrari!

🚴 Tour de France 2026

🗓️ 4 July 2026 – Stage 1: Barcelona

📍 Parc del Fòrum, Barcelona, Spain
🛎️ Stay: MEININGER Hotel Barcelona Fira Gran Via

Cycling is one of the most famous traditional sports in Europe, and the Tour de France is its biggest stage.

With the race starting in Barcelona in 2026, the city becomes a hotspot for fans. Expect huge crowds lining the streets, events and celebrations before the race and of course a vibrant, festival-like atmosphere.

🗓️ 7 July 2026 – Stage 7: Hagetmau – Bordeaux

📍 Bordeaux
🛎️ Stay: MEININGER Hotel Bordeaux Gare Saint-Jean

Expect a classic sprint finish and buzzing riverside crowds as Bordeaux brings its laid-back charm and big race energy together.

🗓️ 26 July 2026 – Final Stage: Thoiry – Paris Champs-Élysées

📍 Paris
🛎️ Stay: MEININGER Hotel Paris Porte de Vincennes

The iconic finale on the Champs-Élysées is pure magic, with high-speed laps, huge crowds, and a finish line moment every cycling fan dreams of.

🏃 Road Running Championships in Copenhagen

🗓️ September 2026

📍 Copenhagen
🛎️ Stay: MEININGER Hotel Copenhagen

The World Athletics Road Running Championships offer something unique. Alongside elite races, everyday runners can take part too.

That makes it one of the most engaging sports events in Europe, especially if you want to combine travel with an active experience.

🏃 Berlin Marathon: one of Europe’s fastest races

Sports in Europe: Runners during the Berlin Marathon
Some runners say putting on a fun suit helps them keep the pace

🗓️ September 2026

📍 Berlin
🛎️ Stay: One of 6 MEININGER hotels in Berlin

The Berlin Marathon is one of the most popular sports events in Europe and a bucket-list race for runners worldwide. Known for its flat, fast course, it’s where world records are often broken. But even if you’re not running, the atmosphere is incredible. Thousands of spectators line the streets, cheering runners past iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, turning the whole city into one big celebration of sport.

🏁 Wrapping up 

Touchdowns, tip-offs, slapshots, and speed… Europe’s about to deliver a year packed with unforgettable sports moments. Whether you’re chasing American football European events, following the European hockey circuit or chasing the runner’s high, there’s a MEININGER hotel waiting for you nearby with a comfy bed and a cold drink after the game. 😀   

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👉 Ready to plan your next sports trip?

Grab your tickets and let MEININGER Hotels be your base for the best sports in Europe.
Central locations help you stay close to action and the vibes are always right – it’s the perfect choice for any sports fan.

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Sports in Europe 2026: FAQs

  • What European cities are hosting EuroHockey events in 2026?

    Major EuroHockey 2026 events will be hosted in Heidelberg, Prague, Vienna, Rome, and Vienna again for U21 Women’s championships. Each city offers dynamic hockey matches and top-tier venues.

  • How can I book accommodation close to major sports events in Europe?

    MEININGER Hotels are strategically located near all major venues, including Berlin, Madrid, Prague, Vienna, Rome, Milan, and Barcelona. They offer modern, budget-friendly stays for sports fans across Europe.

  • When and where is the Champions League Final 2026?

    The Champions League Final 2026 takes place on May 30 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary. This will be one of the biggest football nights in Europe, drawing fans from across the continent.

  • Which European cities are hosting F1 races in 2026?

    The 2026 Formula 1 European races include:

    - Monaco Grand Prix (June 4–7) in Monte Carlo
    - Barcelona Grand Prix (June 11–15) in Spain
    - Italian Grand Prix (September 3–7) in Monza

  • What is the best way to attend multiple sports events in Europe in 2026?

    Plan a sports-themed Eurotrip around the event calendar. With MEININGER Hotels located in top cities, fans can easily travel between NFL, EuroHockey, F1, and other major events.

  • Why are MEININGER Hotels recommended for sports travelers in Europe?

    MEININGER Hotels are conveniently located near event venues, offer affordable rates, and cater to both solo and group travelers. They’re ideal for fans attending sports events in Berlin, Madrid, Vienna, Milan, and more.

  • Where does the Tour de France 2026 start?

    The Tour de France 2026 will begin in Barcelona, Spain, making it one of the most exciting starting locations in recent years.

  • Can you watch the Tour de France for free?

    Yes. One of the best things about the Tour de France is that you can watch it for free from the roadside almost anywhere along the route.

  • Why is the Berlin Marathon so popular?

    The Berlin Marathon is famous for its flat and fast course, making it ideal for personal bests and world records, along with its vibrant city atmosphere.

  • Which NFL Games are happening in Europe in 2026?

    In fall 2026, fans can look forward to games in Munich and Paris, as well as other places like Madrid and London, where American football brings a unique atmosphere to iconic European stadiums.

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