Exploring the 7 Oldest Football Competitions in the World

Football, a sport steeped in history and renowned worldwide, originated in England during the mid-19th century. The Football Association was established in 1863 and continues to serve as the governing body for football in England to this day.

Since its inception, football has grown exponentially in popularity and has become the most widely played sport globally. With an estimated participation of over 250 million individuals across more than 200 countries, football boasts the highest television viewership of any sport.

While the first competitive football competition is believed to have taken place in 1867 under Sheffield Rules, this list focuses on the oldest football competitions played under the current Association Football code.

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The competitions included in this list span over 20 years and encompass various countries and even continents. To be eligible for this list, the competitions must still be active today and feature nationwide participation, excluding county cups.

7. Belgian First Division

1895

In 1895, the Royal Belgian Football Association was established, marking a significant milestone in Belgian football history. During the same year, the oldest existing football competition in continental Europe was introduced in Belgium - the Belgian First Division A.

The inaugural tournament consisted of seven teams, including present-day top-tier clubs Royal Antwerp and Club Brugge, known at the time as Antwerp FC and Brugsche FC, respectively. The competition followed a round-robin format, setting the stage for a long-standing tradition.

Over the years, the league has expanded and currently comprises 16 teams. Each team competes twice against one another during the regular season, after which the league splits into three separate play-off tables. These play-offs determine the champions, European qualifiers, and teams facing relegation.

Anderlecht stands as the most successful club in the league's history, having clinched 34 titles, significantly surpassing second-placed Club Brugge's 18 championships. The Belgian First Division A has witnessed fierce competition and captivating moments throughout its existence, solidifying its status as a prestigious and enduring football competition.

6. Argentine Primera Division

1891

The Argentine Primera Division holds the distinction of being the second-oldest professional football league globally, predating the professionalization of the sport in continental Europe. Football gained popularity in Argentina, primarily due to the influence of British immigrants in Buenos Aires. In 1891, the Association Argentine Football League was formed, which would evolve into the Argentine Football Association within two years. The association remains the governing body for football in the country to this day.

The inaugural season of the league featured only five teams, but it has since grown in size. As of 2024, the league consists of 28 clubs, though this number will be reduced to 22 in 2026. The first-ever title was shared between St. Andrew's and Old Caledonians, both established by Scottish immigrants. However, these teams dissolved quickly.

Currently, River Plate holds the record for the most titles in the league's history, having secured 38 championships. The Argentine Primera Division has witnessed the rise of numerous iconic teams and players, captivating fans across the nation and contributing to the rich footballing heritage of Argentina.

5. Football League

1888

In 1888, the Football League emerged as the world's inaugural professional football league. Consisting of 12 teams at its inception, 11 of those clubs remain in operation as professional football clubs today. Aston Villa, Burnley, Everton, and Wolverhampton Wanderers are among the teams that competed in the English top flight during the 2023/24 season.

Preston North End secured the distinction of becoming the first champions of the Football League. This league served as the highest level of English football until the establishment of the breakaway Premier League in 1992. The modern iteration of the league, now known as the English Football League (EFL) since its rebranding in 2016, consists of three divisions: the Championship, League One, and League Two. Promotion and relegation between these divisions allow for fluid movement within the second, third, and fourth tiers of the English football pyramid.

4. Irish Cup

1881

The Irish Cup holds the distinction of being the first professional competition established in Ireland and remains the most prestigious national cup competition in Northern Irish football to this day. The inaugural tournament featured the participation of seven clubs, with Moyola Park, now a third-tier intermediate club, emerging as the champions after a 1-0 victory over Cliftonville in the final.

Initially, the competition encompassed the entirety of Ireland until 1921 when clubs from the Irish Free State (later known as the Republic of Ireland) broke away, leading to the establishment of the FAI Cup. In the 2022/23 season, a total of 128 teams from various levels of football in Northern Ireland entered the Irish Cup. Crusaders emerged as the victors, securing the trophy for the sixth time in their history.

The Irish Cup holds great significance within Northern Irish football and serves as a platform for clubs of all levels to compete against one another, fostering the spirit of competition and providing memorable moments for both players and fans alike.

3. Welsh Cup

1877

The Welsh Cup, established in 1877, holds the distinction of being the oldest football competition in Wales and the third-oldest in the world. The inaugural tournament featured 18 teams, and Wrexham, the oldest football club in Wales, emerged as the champions by defeating Druids 1-0 in the final.

Wrexham, with 23 titles, remains the most successful team in the history of the Welsh Cup. However, they are currently unable to compete in the competition as, in 1995, the Welsh Football Association ceased inviting Welsh teams participating in the English Football League to participate.

In recent years, The New Saints have dominated the Welsh Cup, securing six of the last eight editions, including a resounding 6-0 victory over Bala Town in the 2022/23 final. Their success highlights their prowess in Welsh football and their ability to maintain a strong presence in the competition.

The Welsh Cup exemplifies the rich history and passion for football in Wales, providing opportunities for Welsh clubs to showcase their talent and compete for the coveted cup.

2. Scottish Cup

1873

The Scottish Cup, established in 1873, holds the distinction of being the oldest national trophy in the world, making it a significant piece of football history. Introduced alongside the founding of the Scottish Football Association, the cup serves as an annual competition for its member teams. The inaugural tournament featured 16 teams, with Queen's Park, the oldest football club in Scotland, emerging as the champions.

While Queen's Park initially dominated the competition, their success waned as Celtic and Rangers emerged as dominant forces in Scottish football. Queen's Park's last triumph in the Scottish Cup came in 1893. Celtic holds the record for the most titles in the competition's history, having secured the trophy on 41 occasions. Rangers closely follow with 34 titles. In the 2022/23 season, under the management of Ange Postecoglou, Celtic emerged as victors with a 3-1 victory over Inverness, who were competing in only their second-ever final.

The Scottish Cup embodies the storied traditions of Scottish football and has witnessed many legendary moments throughout its long history. It remains a highly prized and fiercely contested competition, where teams from all levels of Scottish football have the opportunity to compete for glory.

1. FA Cup

1871

Established in 1871, the FA Cup holds the distinction of being the oldest competition in world football. Its creation came eight years after the formation of the Football Association. Initially, 50 clubs were invited to participate in the inaugural tournament, but only 15 teams ultimately took part. Among them was Scottish side Queen's Park, while the now-defunct Wanderers emerged as the first-ever winners, defeating Royal Engineers 1-0 in the final.

Throughout its history, the FA Cup has experienced significant expansion. In the 2023/24 edition, a staggering 729 teams from levels 1-10 of the English football pyramid participated in the competition. The absence of seeding means that non-league teams have the opportunity to progress to the latter stages, adding excitement and unpredictability to the tournament.

Since its inception, the FA Cup has seen 44 different winners. Arsenal stands as the most successful team in the competition's history, having secured the trophy 14 times. The FA Cup remains a cherished and prestigious tournament, embodying the magic of cup football and providing memorable moments for players, clubs, and fans alike.

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