Dates: December 16–21, 2025
As the winter break approaches for some, the football calendar is heating up with a “Super Week” of knockout action. From the domestic grit of England and Spain to the global stage of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, silverware is on the mind of every major club.
Here is your essential preview guide to the next few days of football.
Tuesday, Dec 16: The Giants Awaken
The midweek action kicks off with a bang as two major domestic cups enter their decisive phases.
Carabao Cup: Quarter-Finals Begin
The road to Wembley narrows tonight. The Carabao Cup (EFL Cup) reaches the Quarter-Final stage, a round often celebrated for producing high-drama spectacles under the lights.
- The Stakes: We are now just two wins away from a Wembley final. Managers often field stronger XIs in this round, sensing that a major trophy is within touching distance.
- What to Watch: Expect the remaining Premier League heavyweights to push hard. With the semi-finals (two legs) looming in January, securing a spot in the final four tonight is the priority.
Copa del Rey: The Big Four Enter the Fray
Spanish football shifts gears as the 3rd Round (Round of 32) begins. This is the moment the tournament truly starts for the heavy hitters, as the four Spanish Super Cup participants finally join the bracket after receiving byes in the earlier rounds.
- Teams Entering:
- Real Madrid: The reigning heavyweights look to add another domestic cup to their cabinet.
- FC Barcelona: The “King of Cups” returns, looking to assert dominance.
- Atlético Madrid: Always a threat in knockout football with Simeone’s grit.
- Athletic Club (Athleti): The Basque lions live for this competition and will be looking for another deep run.
- The Vibe: This round is famous for “David vs. Goliath” matchups. Watch for the big teams travelling to smaller, hostile grounds where upsets are always lurking in the chilly December air.
Wednesday, Dec 17: Global Glory
FIFA Intercontinental Cup: The Final
All eyes turn to the global stage on Wednesday for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Final.
- The Match: This is the crown jewel of the week. The UEFA Champions League winners, PSG (representing Europe) face off against the Challenger, Flamego (the survivor of the global playoff bracket) for the title of World Champion.
- The Narrative: For the European powerhouse, it is often seen as a duty to win; for the Challenger, it is the opportunity of a lifetime to topple the kings of Europe. Expect a glitzy, high-intensity affair to decide who wears the world badge for the next year.
Friday, Dec 19 & Weekend: The Magic of the Cup
Coupe de France: Round of 64
As we head into the weekend, the most romantic competition in French football takes center stage. The Round of 64 marks the entry of the Ligue 1 clubs.
- The Format: The Coupe de France is unique because amateur teams (some from very low tiers) are still in the draw.
- The Danger: This weekend is “Giant Killing” season. The big boys from Ligue 1—PSG, Marseille, Monaco, Lyon—will travel to face lower-league opposition.
- Why Watch: The magic of the Coupe is in the atmosphere. Tiny stadiums packed to the rafters, muddy pitches, and the possibility that a team of part-timers could knock out a Champions League squad.
