February 2026: The biggest sporting events happening this month
February 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most action-packed months in the sporting calendar. From the Six Nations kicking off, Champions League drama to cricket’s T20 World Cup, there’s world-class competition across every continent and almost every day of the month.
Here’s everything you need to know about the biggest sporting events happening this February.
UEFA Champions League | Knockout Stage Begins
February marks the start of Champions League knockout football where Europe’s elite clubs battle for continental supremacy and one mistake can end dreams of glory. The first legs of the knockout phase play-offs will be held 17th-18th February. The second legs will be contested the following week, on 24th-25th February.
Tennis: ATP Tour February Swing
Professional tennis hits top gear in February with prestigious tournaments across three continents offering players crucial ranking points and preparation for the upcoming Grand Slam season.
Dallas Open | 9th-15th February
Location: Dallas, Texas, USA
Surface: Hard court (indoor)
The Dallas Open brings ATP Tour action to Texas, featuring top players in indoor hard court conditions. Perfect preparation for the North American hard court swing, this 500-level tournament attracts quality fields competing for ranking points and prize money.
Rio Open | 16th-22nd February
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Surface: Clay
South America’s premier clay court event brings ATP Tour tennis to Rio’s stunning Jockey Club Brasileiro. Played on the red clay that produces the sport’s most physically demanding rallies, the Rio Open serves as crucial preparation for the European clay season and eventually Roland-Garros.
Dubai Duty Free Championships | 23rd-28th February
Location: Dubai, UAE
Surface: Hard court (outdoor)
One of the tour’s most prestigious 500-level events, the Dubai Championships attracts the world’s best players with its generous prize money, world-class facilities, and desert sunshine. Past champions include Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray, testament to the tournament’s elite status.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup | 7th February
Cricket’s shortest and most explosive format takes centre stage as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup arrives in India and Sri Lanka. From 7th February through 8th March, the world’s best cricketers compete for T20 supremacy in one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments.
Tournament Format: 16 teams compete across group stages and knockout rounds, with matches scheduled throughout the day to accommodate global audiences. India and Sri Lanka’s multiple venues, from Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium to Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium providing perfect conditions for explosive batting and skilful bowling.
Premier League: February’s Blockbuster Fixtures
Key Head-to-Heads to Watch:
February presents a defining month in the Premier League as the battle for Champions League qualification intensifies and the relegation fight reaches desperation levels. Arsenal, and Manchester City race for the title whilst Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Chelsea are locked in a fierce contest for Champions League spots. Just 13 points separate first from fifth, meaning every fixture carries enormous weight. Meanwhile, Liverpool sit sixth, still within touching distance of the Champions League places and determined to force their way back into contention.
At the bottom, the relegation battle is equally intense. Wolves languish in 20th place, desperately needing points from their clash with Aston Villa on 27th February. Burnley and West Ham occupy the other two relegation spots, while teams like Leeds United and Nottingham Forest know that poor February results could drag them into the survival scrap. February’s fixtures will likely determine which clubs are playing Championship football next season.
Key February Fixtures:
| Date | Fixture | What’s at Stake |
|---|---|---|
| 7th Feb | Man United vs Tottenham | 2025 Europa League finalists clash; United defending top 4, Spurs chasing it |
| 8th Feb | Liverpool vs Man City | Sixth vs second; Liverpool’s Champions League hopes meet City’s title charge |
| 11th Feb | Sunderland vs Liverpool | Mid-table Sunderland can dent Liverpool’s top-four ambitions |
| 22nd Feb | Tottenham vs Arsenal | North London Derby with European qualification implications |
| 22nd Feb | Sunderland vs Fulham | Mid-table battle with both eyeing top-half finishes |
| 23rd Feb | Everton vs Man United | Everton fighting for top 10; United protecting Champions League spot |
| 27th Feb | Wolves vs Aston Villa | West-midlands derby; six-pointer for completely different reasons |
| 28th Feb | Leeds vs Man City | Relegation-threatened Leeds host title-chasing City |
Six Nations Championship | Begins 5th February
The greatest rivalry in rugby returns as Europe’s six nations battle for continental supremacy. The 2026 Six Nations kicks off on 5th February with a month of intense competition, historic rivalries, and atmosphere that only this championship can deliver.
Opening Weekend Fixtures (February 5th-7th): England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, and Italy commence their campaigns with the traditional round-robin format producing some of rugby’s most passionate encounters. Twickenham, Stade de France, Stadio Olimpico, Murrayfield, the Aviva Stadium, Decathlon Arena and Principality Stadium will host matches where every point matters toward championship glory.