How Many Games Do Soccer Teams Play in a Season: A Dive into the Chaos of Scheduling and Beyond

How Many Games Do Soccer Teams Play in a Season: A Dive into the Chaos of Scheduling and Beyond

Soccer, or football as it is known in most parts of the world, is a sport that captivates millions with its thrilling matches, passionate fans, and intricate strategies. One of the most common questions asked by both new and seasoned fans alike is: How many games do soccer teams play in a season? The answer, however, is not as straightforward as one might think. It varies significantly depending on the league, the country, and the level of competition. But let’s not stop there—let’s explore the chaos of scheduling, the impact of international tournaments, and even the philosophical implications of playing too many or too few games.


The Basics: League Games

In most professional soccer leagues, the number of games a team plays in a season is determined by the structure of the league itself. For example, in the English Premier League (EPL), each of the 20 teams plays 38 games—home and away against every other team. This is a double round-robin format, which is common in many top-tier leagues around the world, including La Liga in Spain, Serie A in Italy, and the Bundesliga in Germany.

However, not all leagues follow this model. In the Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States and Canada, the number of games can vary due to the league’s expansion and the inclusion of teams from different conferences. As of recent seasons, MLS teams play 34 regular-season games, but this number has fluctuated over the years.


Cup Competitions: Adding to the Load

League games are just the tip of the iceberg. Most soccer teams also participate in domestic cup competitions, which can significantly increase the number of games they play in a season. For instance, in England, teams compete in the FA Cup and the EFL Cup (also known as the Carabao Cup). These tournaments are knockout-based, meaning teams can play anywhere from one to several additional games depending on how far they progress.

In Spain, the Copa del Rey serves a similar purpose, while in Germany, the DFB-Pokal adds extra fixtures to the schedule. These competitions not only provide opportunities for silverware but also test the depth and resilience of a squad, as managers must balance league priorities with cup ambitions.


European Competitions: The Elite Stage

For the top teams in Europe, the season becomes even more grueling due to participation in continental tournaments like the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Europa Conference League. These competitions involve group stages followed by knockout rounds, adding anywhere from 6 to 13 extra games to a team’s schedule.

The Champions League, for example, requires teams to play 6 group-stage matches. If they advance to the final, they could play up to 13 games in total. This doesn’t even account for the travel and time zone changes that can affect player performance and recovery.


International Breaks and Friendlies

Beyond club competitions, players who represent their national teams must also contend with international breaks. These occur several times throughout the season and involve World Cup qualifiers, continental championships like the UEFA European Championship or Copa América, and friendly matches. While these games don’t count toward a club’s season total, they do add to the physical and mental strain on players.


The Impact of Too Many Games

The sheer volume of games in a season has sparked debates about player welfare. With some top players participating in over 60 games in a single season, concerns about fatigue, injuries, and burnout are valid. Managers often rotate their squads to keep players fresh, but this can lead to inconsistencies in performance.

On the other hand, fewer games could mean less revenue for clubs and fewer opportunities for fans to watch their favorite teams in action. Striking the right balance is a challenge that leagues and governing bodies continue to grapple with.


The Philosophical Angle: Why Do We Play So Much?

Beyond the practicalities, there’s a deeper question to ponder: Why do soccer teams play so many games in a season? Is it purely for entertainment and profit, or is there something inherently valuable about the rhythm and routine of a packed schedule? Perhaps the relentless grind of a long season mirrors the unpredictability of life itself, teaching us resilience, adaptability, and the importance of perseverance.


  1. How do soccer teams manage player fatigue during a long season?

    • Teams use rotation policies, sports science, and recovery techniques to keep players fresh.
  2. What happens if a team plays too many games in a short period?

    • Overloading can lead to injuries, poor performance, and even long-term damage to players’ careers.
  3. Do smaller leagues have fewer games in a season?

    • Yes, smaller leagues often have fewer teams and thus fewer games, but they may also have fewer resources to manage player workload.
  4. How do international tournaments affect club schedules?

    • International tournaments can disrupt club schedules by taking players away for extended periods and adding to their overall game count.
  5. Is there a perfect number of games for a soccer season?

    • There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as the ideal number depends on factors like league structure, player welfare, and fan engagement.