How To Watch Europa League Football On TV In The UK, USA, Canada and Australia

The Europa League is one of the most dramatic competitions in the world. It is UEFA’s second-tier competition, below the Champions League, yet it can be just as entertaining. From the qualifying rounds in August to the final in late May, the Europa League holds a prestigious place on the footballing pedal stall.

In 2024, Atalanta won the Europa League, beating Bayern Leverkusen 3-0 in the final. It was a dramatic moment as Leverkusen’s unbeaten run came to an end, whilst fans around the world watched eagerly on their respective TV channels. The coverage of the Europa League has changed significantly over the years.

Historically, they have been shown by ITV in England, but it also had a spell on Channel Five. The company first gained the rights to show Europa League matches in 2008, to commence from 2009 to 2010 for three seasons. It featured as part of their ‘Thursday Nights’ show, a sly dig at teams that failed to qualify for the Champions League and had to play on the far less lucrative night of Thursday. However, in 2012, Channel Five did not renew the rights deal to show the Europa League, which then went to BT Sport and ITV from the 2012/2013 season.

Meanwhile, across the pond in America, the country has historically never loved the Europa League. Famous for the NFL and basketball, it has taken time for the country to love football, but now they do – partially due to Lionel Messi’s lucrative move to Inter Miami. CBS Sports now holds the rights to Europa League football, providing some of the best coverage in the world.

With the Europa League continuing to provide world-class entertainment every season, this article looks at how you can watch the competition in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia and Canada.

The rights holders in each country have exclusive coverage of the Europa League in their respective areas. It allows them to produce world-class coverage of every match. In America, it is broadcast on Paramount+, which is part of CBS Sports. Their coverage of the Champions League is well-known due to the chemistry between the presenting group – Kate Abdo, Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards.

Meanwhile, the UK, Australia and Canada hold the rights on just one channel, unlike the USA, where it can be watched on Paramount+ or ViX. Below is a list of all the opening group stage matches and how they can be watched on their respective dates.

Once the group stages conclude in January 2025, the matches in the Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals and Final will also be shown on these channels. Teams such as Tottenham and Man United will be wanting to reach the Europa League final, which is taking place on the 21st May 2025.

Best games to watch

Lazio vs Nice

There are a plethora of stunning games to look forward to in the Europa League, but Lazio’s early fixture against Nice on the 3rd October might be one of the best. The hosts, now managed by Marco Baroni, are currently sixth in the Serie A table, whilst their opposition have struggled at the start of the new campaign. However, they are always two consistent names in major European competitions, so you can expect fireworks.

Pedro, despite being 37, is still plying his trade for Lazio, and he will be determined to roll the years back with an impressive performance against Nice. Meanwhile, the French giants may turn to Youssoufa Moukoko, who joined on loan from Borussia Dortmund in August. He’s yet to play for them, but the side on the south coast may provide the perfect foundation for his career to kick into life.

Porto vs Man United

As one of the most successful clubs of all time, Man United are going to be one of the most-watched sides in the Europa League this year. They have excelled in European competitions over the years, winning the Champions League in 1999 and 2008, whilst conquering the second-tier competition in 2017.

If they want to do the same this year, they may need a result against Porto. Going away to the former Champions League winners is never an easy feat, but Erik ten Hag’s side have a wealth of talent at their disposal, including Antony. He’s not had a strong start to life at Old Trafford, but regular minutes in the Europa League might be exactly what he needs.

Galatasaray vs Tottenham

One of the favourites for the Europa League alongside Man United, Tottenham Hotspur are returning to the European scene after a one-year hiatus. They’ve previously won the Europa League twice – and, after not winning a trophy since 2008, they are desperate to return to the next step.

However, it won’t be easy, with an away trip to Galatasaray looking frightening at the moment. The Turkish giants have one of the most frightening fanbases in the world, dictating matches with their atmosphere. Spurs, who are notorious for crumbling under pressure, will have to be at their best if they want to come away with a result on the 7th November.

Rangers vs Tottenham

However, it does not get any easier for Tottenham. Ange Postecoglou’s side also travel to Rangers on the 12th December, which is going to be another challenging match in a frightening atmosphere. Their Australian manager will likely be the centre of attention, as he used to manage Celtic.

Rangers will not give him a warm welcome, but the upside for Spurs is that the Scottish giants are not clicking at the moment. It seems increasingly likely that Celtic will win the league again, and Rangers are yet to find their best form under Philippe Clement. Anything can happen in the Europa League, though.

Manchester United vs Rangers

Finally, taking place in the penultimate round of matches, Manchester United vs Rangers is set to be crucial for both sides. A win for either team could confirm their place in the last 16, whilst defeat may force them to progress through the play-offs. Everyone loves a British derby, with two of the biggest sides in the world going head-to-head again.

As always, the Red Devils may rely upon Bruno Fernandes to be the magician at Old Trafford. He’s one of the best midfielders in the world and can change the dynamic of matches in an instant. During an intimidating and noisy night in Manchester, you can expect fireworks on and off the pitch.