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. 

United, who have since won in each of their last two matches following a three game losing run, turned in three goals to none against Palace during their Carabao Cup clash this week at Old Trafford. 

Netting an impressive opener through Argentine winger, Alejandro Garnacho, the young wideman latched onto a square ball from Diogo Dalot to fire United ahead on Tuesday night in Manchester.

Soon thereafter, summer signing, Mason Mount, who returned to the side following a niggling injury, registered his first Manchester United assist, whipping in a corner which was nodded home by Brazilian midfielder, Casemiro.

Afforded the freedom to express themselves further up the pitch in the second half, United deployed a double-pivot featuring both Casemiro and Moroccan acquisition, Sofyan Amrabat, who arrived from Serie A side, Fiorentina on loan earlier this year.

Rounding off a one-side route over ‘The Eagles’, French striker, Anthony Martial converted a cross from scorer-turned provider, Casemiro at the back post, slotting past former United goalkeeper, Sam Johnstone. 

However, expected to somewhat of a more cagey affair as both side lineup with as full a stenght XI as possible this weekend in the Premier League, United are still closing as -200 betting favorite to beat the +450 Crystal Palace this weekend. 

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Without a Premier League win at Old Trafford since a come-from-behind win over Nottingham Forrest, United managed to snap their losing run last week at Turf Moor, with a stunning volley from Portuguese maestro and club captain, Bruno Fernandes from a stunning Johnny Evans ball secured all three points on the road for United. 

And amid a leaky defense – which is set to be further hampered by the possible sidelining of Argentina center half, Lisandro Martinez through a lingering foot injury for a potential three months, United will be happy in the knowledge of converting three goals against Bundesliga champions, Bayern Munich in an eventual 4-3 loss in their UEFA Champions League opener earlier this month. 

Showing promise in front of goal in a loss to Brighton & Hove Albion, as well as the above-mentioned wins over both Burnley and Crystal Palace, Danish forward, Rasmus Hojlund has been tipped as an out-and-out striking threat from opposition managers and pundits alike, who note his running ability and channel-seeking play. 

Although yet to return to full training, academy product, Kobbi Mainoo is sure to land some selection time when he does so, as another prospect, Hannibal Mejbri thrives in a midfield role early in the season.

Furthermore, while too soon to make a return this weekend amid personal issues, Brazilian forward, Antony has returned to England and United training, with a club statement confirming how the right winger will be made available for selection for head coach, Erik ten Hag in the coming weeks to boot. 

Especially in recent times, the likes of Bayern Munich full back and Canada international Alphonso Davies has set the world alight with his performances for both club and country – particularly in the UEFA Champions League and the Bundesliga.

While furthermore, based in France, Lille striker, Jonathan David has enjoyed a hugely-prolific tenure for the former Ligue 1 champions since his arrival from Belgian side Gent – and having netted an impressive 24 league goals last campaign, the 23-year-old is available at good odds to vie for the Golden Boot award in Ligue 1. 

And in terms of the Ligue 1 golden boot race,– just Paris Saint Germain forward and World Cup finalist, Kylian Mbappe has so far managed to out-pace the above-mentioned Jonathan David in the early odds race, with the youngster also finding himself as a closer betting favorite to win the Golden Boot ahead of Mbappe’s PSG teammate, Portuguese striker, Goncalo Ramos.

A host of bookies and markets are already taking action on potential outright winners of both individual and team honors in Ligue 1, including the Golden Boot race – in which Canadian star, David can be backed as short as +700 or 7/1 to win the accolade. And following his prolific time in French football so far, interested bettors and punters would be wise to keep a keen eye on the youngster, in a league which has so far suited the Canadian frontman – in a bid to return themselves some potential hefty payouts from bookies and online bookmakers operating in Canada. 

However, in terms of the most prestigious footballers to emerge from Canada, former Bayern Munich and Manchester United midfielder, Owen Hargreaves may comfortably take that accolade, despite lining out for the Three Lions and the England national side during an ever-present international career.

Another Canadian favorite comes in the form of the above-mentioned, Davies, who has fast-tracked his way into the left hand side of the defense for reigning Bundesliga champions, Bayern Munich, following the departure of Austrian defender, David Alaba to Real Madrid. 

Nicknamed ‘The Roadrunner’ due to his intense athleticism and creative ability down the left hand flank for both Canada and Bayern Munich, Davies has been heralded as one of the greatest full backs playing football today, attracting his fare share of attention – particularly from Premier League sides. 

Still going strong following an early and successful spell in English football, veteran winger, Junior Hoilett – who made a stunning move back home to the Vancouver Whitecaps this season, will be remembered for his tricky nature in the Premier League, racking up a slew of appearances for Blackburn Rovers, Queens Park Rangers, and Cardiff City whilst playing at the top end of the English game. 

Playing across three top leagues in Europe, holding midlfield talent, Atiba Hutchinson has been recognised as one of Canada’s greatest exports to boot, capped an impressive 103 times for the national side.

Playing for Dutch side, PSV during his career, Hutchinson will be best known for his roles in the heart of midfield for both Danish side, FC Copenhagen, and Turkish giants, Besiktas – ending his playing career earlier this year. 

Credited as the first Canadian to play in La Liga, Julian de Guzman, a former Toronto FC midfielder made the move to former high-flying Spanish side, Deportivo La Coruna in 2005, following a successful spell with Bundesliga side, Hannover 96. 

Most recently managing Ottawa Fury, de Guzman managed to find himself capped for the Canadian national side on 89 separate occasions – making his way as a staple in the team’s midfield, with the Toronto native a hugely honorable mention as one of the greatest Canadian players of all time. 

English Premier League side, Chelsea have emerged as the favored side to coax Portuguese forward, Cristiano Ronaldo from an almost certain exit from league rivals, Manchester United in the January transfer window, after an explosive interview with Piers Morgan outlined the veteran’s problem with the club, manager, Erik ten Hag, and executives. 

Ronaldo, who has since left the Old Trafford side to link up with his Portugal national side teammates ahead of next week’s FIFA World Cup return, featured in a sitdown with the aforenoted News of the World alum, Morgan, in a scatching interview, trashing United, current boss, ten Hag, as well as the seemingly dated infrastructure at the club. 

The recent explosive interview falls on the back of a series of disappointing performances for the side this season under ten Hag, with Ronaldo infamously demoted from senior team training after he refused to make a substitute appearance in a win over Tottenham Hotspur back in October. 

Handed the captaincy for a visit to Villa Park in the absence of Portuguese teammate, Bruno Fernandes, Ronaldo’s most recent, and likely last outing for the Red Devils came in that 3-1 defeat, with the 37-year-old left out of the matchday squad for wins over Aston Villa and then a visit to Fulham. 

Following the emergence of Ronaldo’s incendiary interview with Morgan, odds have been slashed on his exit from Old Trafford in either the form of a contract termination, or a January move. 

In what appears to be the bet of the day football, Chelsea are backed to pursue a move to the serial UEFA Champions League victor, Ronaldo in the January transfer window, with the Graham Potter side available as short as 4/1 to land the Portuguese native. You can bet on Ronaldo’s future over at Vulkanbet Sports betting. 

A return to boyhood club, Sporting Lisbon is also a potential next destination for Ronaldo, with the capital side available even shorter at 3/1 to resign the former before February 3. 

Linked with a potential move to the aforenoted Chelsea, as well as Napoli and Atletico Madrid in the summer transfer window to boot, the Italian side are currently priced as high as 12/1 to sign Ronaldo, while Diego Simeone’s side, who have fallen into the UEFA Europa League, are available at 25/1.

Bookmakers also see a potential return to Real Madrid as arguably the longest shot for Ronaldo, with a Santiago Bernabeu comeback priced as high as 50/1 on most markets. 

Away from club football, Ronaldo is set to lead EURO 2016 winners, Portugal into the FIFA World Cup in Qatar next week, featuring in a group alongside Ghana, Uruguay, and South Korea. 

With Brazil current betting favorites to land the Coupe du Monde come December, Portugal, who featured three Manchester United players in the form of Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, and of course, Ronaldo, are sitting as severe outsiders to land their first FIFA World Cup – at 14/1.

Reunited with the Old Trafford faithful last season following gold-laden spells at Real Madrid, and then a tenure with Italian giants, Juventus, Portuguese forward, Cristiano Ronaldo is undoubtedly far from flavor of the month amongst Manchester United fans – as many call for his exit from the side.

Guiding the faltering Manchester side to a 5th place finish in last season’s Premier League campaign, Ronaldo would find the net on 24 separate occasions for the time – including 18 times in the league.

However, a year later, the 37-year-old star has scored just twice under 12 games since the summer appointment of Dutch tactician, Erik ten Hag. 

Linked with a move from the Red Devils during the summer transfer window, potential moves to the likes of Chelsea, Sporting Lisbon, Napoli, and Athletico Madrid failed to materialise for the Portugal captain, as his place in a new, free-flowing and fluid front three under ten Hag was cast into doubt.

Missing a pre-season tour with United due to “personal family reasons”, Ronaldo’s place in the side was further put in jeopardy amid the form of French striker, Anthony Martial, as well as the signing of Brazilian starlet, Antony – who has already netted three times in five Premier League starts.

And earlier this week, tension between Ronaldo and former Ajax gold winner, ten Hag reached boiling point, with the former marching down the Old Trafford tunnel with just minutes remaining in United’s 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Refusing to make a substitute appearance in the final minutes, Ronaldo was removed from the travelling side to take on Chelsea this weekend, demoted from first team training, and reportedly fined two weeks’ wages. With the recent complications with Ronaldo’s situation, Fuksiarz are offering decent odds on a departure from United in the January transfer window. 

Rescuing a one-all draw with Graham Potter’s Chelsea side courtesy of a late header from Brazilian midfielder, Casemiro on Saturday, ten Hag featured a front three containing Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, and the above-mentioned, Antony – as part of a fluid interchanging spearhead. 

Netting just once in the league this season, Ronaldo scored a remarkable 700th career goal at Goodison Park against Everton, replacing an injured Anthony Martial in the opening half.

Played through by Casemiro, Ronaldo, playing on the shoulder of the last defender, held the line and slotted past Jordan Pickford with an expert left foot finish. 

Receiving shrewd defense from former Manchester United captain and treble winner, Cork native, Roy Keane, Ronaldo has been revered for his goal-scoring prowess, and rightly so, however, in the modern era, and at the age of 37 amongst a fluid, interchanging front three – the Portugal favorite appears on the cusp of an era as a ‘super sub’ at the highest level.

If the Euro Championships victor and serial UEFA Champions League winner refuses to play a bit-part role in a United rebuild under ten Hag, it appears all but certain he’ll jet off on a permanent basis in January post-World Cup in Qatar – drawing an end to what promised to be a ceremonious red reunion.

Every four years, the FIFA World Cup dishes out some of the biggest surprises and shocks in world football, whether that be in the form of massive underdog victories, dominant performances, or supposed giants imploding en route to an early exit. And ahead of this year’s Qatar entry, a handful of nations from Europe and South America have been tipped to land Coupe du Monde. 

Last time out in Russia, Didier Deschamps led his French national side to World Cup glory, with a convincing 4-2 win following a trio of goals from Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba, and Kylian Mbappe sent the French on their way after an own goal from Mario Mandzukic. 

However, at EURO 2020 last year, the French side imploded at the round of 16 stage against Switzerland, dropping an eventual 5-4 defeat on penalties.

Eventual tournament victors, Italy, will not even feature in Qatar at the end of this year, after failing to qualify for the tournament. The side, now managed by former Manchester City leader, Roberton Mancini defeated England at Wembley to lift the UEFA EURO 2020 trophy last summer, with a Fabio Grosso deciding penalty scoring Italy a World Cup win in 2006. 

For England, the Gareth Southgate-led side will tackle Wales, Iran, and the USMNT (United States Men’s National Team) in their group in Qatar, and are expected to exit the group – likely as winners.

However, with their 2018 falter against Croatia, and disappointing end to their Nations League group with a draw with Germany, and a pair of losses to Hungary, and Italy, England, who are tipped to make it the latter stages of the tournament, are not fancied to win the World Cup outright.

At the time of publication, a team most certainly fancied to win outright in Qatar and clinch the FIFA World Cup is the leading tournament victors, Brazil. The side, led by Tite, have clinched World Cup gold on five separate occasions in the past, the last of which back in 2002 in Korea/Japan.

Selecao Canarinho are currently available as short as 4/1 to win the World Cup this winter in Qatar, with best World Cup betting odds available on various markets and bookmakers globally. 

Drawing Switzerland, Serbia, and Cameroon in the group stage this time around, Brazil most recently handed Ghana a 3-0 loss in a September friendly – with PSG center half, Marquinhos netting before a brace from Spurs forward, Richarlison.

With significant squad depth paired with an ever-present winning pedigree, Brazil can choose from sport-leading goalkeepers, Alisson and Ederson, while perennial center back pairing Thiago Silva and Marquinhos are tipped to pair.

In the center of the park, Tite has the freedom to choose between Fabinho or serial UEFA Champions League winner, Manchester United midfielder, Casemiro, while the likes of Neyman, Raphinha, Vinicius Junior, Antony, Roberto Firmino, and Richarlison are primed to fire Brazil to success. 

With Brazil odds on favorites to lift the World Cup this winter, the likes of Argentina, Spain, Germany and The Netherlands are priced at decent odds if you fancy a flutter on an outside chance to clinch the coupe du monde.

As one of the traditional World Cup powerhouses, Germany will be hoping to restamp their authority over the tournament in 2022.

Whilst their team’s starting XI may be entering the twilight of their careers, there is a surplus of young talent just waiting for an opening to make their own mark on an international stage.

Germany find themselves in a competitive starting group, with Spain, Japan, and Costa Rica all vying for the top two places. However, the Germans have shown time and time again that they cannot be overlooked, and it may well be that 2022 is no different.

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Germany World Cup 2022 XI

Manuel Neuer will of course take the No.1 goalkeeping position. The Bayern Munich keeper is an all-time great, and still competing at an extremely high level. However, Kevin Trapp of Eintracht Frankfurt is also a solid backup for the Germans.

The German defense is one of their most solid areas. They can take their pick from Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen), Niklas Sule (Borussia Dortmund), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Benjamin Henrichs (RB Leipzig), Thilo Kehrer (PSG) and Lukas Klostermann (RB Leipzig).

In midfield, Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich will be the lynchpin of their control over the field. He will likely be paired with fellow Bayern player Leon Goretzka, as well as Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan. Julian Brandt (Borussia Dortmund) and Kai Havertz (Chelsea) offer further versatility in the center of the pitch.

Chelsea’s Timo Werner will be competing with Bayern standout Thomas Muller for the place as Germany’s lead striker. Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich) and Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich) appear the logical picks for starting wingers.

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Join us below as we check out three big-name signings that have the potential to cause the biggest impact this season.

Darwin Nunez

Liverpool’s big-name signing of the summer could well be a huge gamble. The Reds signed Darwin Nunez from Benfica for a price of £64m (plus £21m add-ons).

Liverpool were quick to lock down Nunez, who is considered one of the top prospects in the sport after a stand-out season with Benfica. The 23-year-old was last season’s top scorer in the Portuguese league, and also had a stellar Champion League campaign. Many were skeptical of placing such a big price tag on a player with only one season of playing truly elite football. However, Nunez did recently pick up four goals in only one half, during a friendly match against German powerhouse team RB Leipzig.

Erling Haaland

Whilst Darwin Nunez is a big risk for Liverpool, Manchester City know exactly what they are paying for when they signed Erling Haaland. Last years Premier League winners forked out £51m to Borussia Dortmund in order to sign the lethal center forward.

Despite only being 22 years of age, Haaland has already repressed his country on the international stage and has broken numerous club records. The only risk with Haaland is that he has been prone to injury in the past, but should he manage to stay fit, Haaland will no doubt be one of the top goal scorers of the Premier League 2022/2023 season.

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Lisandro Martinez

Those who do not keep up with Dutch football may not be as familiar with Manchester United’s recent signing Lisandro Martinez as they could be, but this will no doubt soon change. United acquired the skilled defender from Ajax for a free of £48.5m (plus £8.5m add-ons).

Having been previously handed the moniker of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam,’ Martinez will be looking to fill the Harry Magurie shaped hole in the United backline. This is easier said than done, especially when considering that Martinez will become the smallest center-back in the Premier League. However, the Argentinian is as scrappy as they come, and has the potential to be one of the standout signings of the year.

Who do you think will have the biggest impact on the 2022/2023 Premier League Season?

Brazil, France, Argentina, and England are the teams that take the headlines, but we have seen time and time again small teams who defy all expectations, leaving their mark on the iconic competition.

One such team may well be Wales at the 2022 World Cup. The Dragons will field a plucky team, made up of both veterans and rising prospects. With both England and USA in their starting group, the Welsh will be looking to make an instant statement of intent.

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Wales World Cup 2022 XI

The starting goalkeeping role for Wales’ 2022 World Cup campaign will be contested by three solid players. Wayne Hennessey (Burnley), Danny Ward (Leicester City) and Adam Davies (Sheffield United) will all no doubt be hopeful of claiming the No.1 spot.

In defense, Wales are able to field several solid players with premier league experience. Ben Davies (Tottenham), Joe Rodon (Tottenham), Rhys Norrington-Davies (Sheffield United), Connor Roberts (Burnley), and Neco Williams (Liverpool) have all played against some of the best to ever do it. Chris Mepham (Bournemouth) and Chris Gunter (Unattached) are also solid options to fall back on.

Wales’ midfield for the 2022 World Cup will consist of a mixture of both veterans and prospects. Joe Allen (Stoke City) and Aaron Ramsey (Juventus) both bring bags of high-level experience, whilst Ethan Ampadu (Chelsea) and Rabbi Matondo (Schalke 04) will have the chance to seize the limelight.

When on top form, Wales’ attack can be potent enough to break even the best defensive lines out there. However, often they have been offensively impotent, appearing to lack the synergy needed to compete with the very best. Gareth Bale (LAFC) will of course be the lynchpin of the attack, paired with dangerous winger Daniel James (Leeds United) and hard-headed striker Kieffer Moore (Bournemouth). Mark Harris (Cardiff City), Nathan Broadhead (Everton), and Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest) all also offer support in the attacking line.

How well do you think Wales will fare this World Cup?

At the 2022 World Cup, Lionel Messi will lead Argentina out to what will surely be his last time competing in the penultimate international footballing competition.

Argentina possesses a solid team with great attacking potential. However, they do somewhat lack depth in their defensive line, which will no doubt make them one of the most exciting teams to follow in the 2022 World Cup.

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Argentina’s World Cup XI

Argentina’s goalkeeping options consist of Franco Armani (River Plate), Geronimo Rulli (Villarreal), and Juan Musso (Atalanta). Whilst these may not be the biggest names, Ruili has shown his ability to compete with the best La Liga has to offer.

In defence, Lionel Scaloni can call upon Nahuel Molina (Udinese), Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla), German Pezzella (Real Betis), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), Lisandro Martinez (Ajax), and Nicolas Tagliafico (Ajax). This is another area where Argentina are somewhat lacking, especially in name value. But the likes of Otamendi and Tagliafico are veteran players who can bring some much-needed stability to the back line.

Argentina’s midfield is where the squad really begins to shine. Leandro Paredes (PSG), Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Lucas Ocampos (Sevilla), Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), Manuel Lanzini (West Ham), Nicolas Paz (Real Madrid), Matias Soule (Juventus)
and Angel Di Maria (PSG) are all excellent options, equipped with stacks of creativity that will give many opposing teams trouble.

Lionel Messi (PSG) is of course the name that stands out from the attacking lineup. However, Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid), Lautaro Martinez (Inter), and Paulo Dybala (Juventus) are all also dangerous attacking threats that will pair excellently with the veteran maestro.