London has one of the richest and most varied professional football landscapes in the world. The capital is home to internationally recognised Premier League clubs, historic EFL teams, modern arenas, traditional neighbourhood grounds and some of English football’s most intense local rivalries.
For the 2026/27 season, 14 clubs from Greater London compete across the Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two. This updated guide explains where every club plays, which division it belongs to, how large its stadium is and what visitors should know before planning a matchday or stadium tour.
The guide also includes an interactive map, a borough-by-borough overview, verified league allocations, stadium comparisons, major honours, London derbies and practical transport advice. League memberships and other time-sensitive information were last reviewed on 24 July 2026.
⚡ Quick Answer
How many professional football clubs are there in London? Greater London has 14 men’s clubs competing in England’s top four divisions in 2026/27. Six play in the Premier League, four in the Championship, three in League One and one in League Two.
West Ham United were relegated from the Premier League at the end of 2025/26 and now play in the Championship. Bromley won promotion from League Two and compete in League One, while Barnet remain London’s only League Two representative.
✅ London Football: Key Takeaways
- Greater London has 14 professional clubs in the Premier League and EFL in 2026/27.
- Six London clubs compete in the Premier League: Arsenal, Brentford, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur.
- Charlton Athletic, Millwall, Queens Park Rangers and West Ham United play in the Championship.
- AFC Wimbledon, Bromley and Leyton Orient compete in League One.
- Barnet are London’s only League Two club in 2026/27.
- Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is the capital’s largest club football ground.
- Fulham, founded in 1879, are widely recognised as London’s oldest professional football club.
- The interactive map below shows the location of every club covered in this guide.
🔄 2026/27 Update
Last reviewed: 24 July 2026. West Ham United were relegated to the Championship after finishing 18th in the 2025/26 Premier League. Tottenham Hotspur remained in the top flight, while Bromley secured promotion to League One. The league allocations in this article are based on the official Premier League, Championship, League One and club fixture information available ahead of the new season.
📚 Table of Contents
- Quick Answer
- London Football: Key Takeaways
- Professional London Clubs by League
- London Football Club Profiles
- Interactive Map of London Football Clubs
- London Football Club Comparison
- Biggest Football Stadiums in London
- London Derbies and Rivalries
- History and Major Honours
- London Football Stadium Tours
- Planning a Football Trip to London
- Interesting Facts About London Football
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Article Updates and Editorial Note
⚽ Professional London Football Clubs by League
Greater London is represented by 14 professional men’s football clubs across England’s top four divisions in the 2026/27 season. The capital continues to have more clubs in the Premier League and English Football League than any other city in the country.
Following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, West Ham United were relegated to the Championship, while Bromley secured promotion to League One after winning the League Two title. Barnet remain London’s only representative in League Two.
2026/27 London Club Overview
- Premier League: 6 clubs
- Championship: 4 clubs
- League One: 3 clubs
- League Two: 1 club
- Total: 14 professional clubs
| Division | London Clubs (2026/27) | Clubs |
|---|---|---|
| Premier League | Arsenal, Brentford, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur | 6 |
| Championship | Charlton Athletic, Millwall, Queens Park Rangers, West Ham United | 4 |
| League One | AFC Wimbledon, Bromley, Leyton Orient | 3 |
| League Two | Barnet | 1 |
| Total | Professional clubs in England’s top four divisions | 14 |
The number of London clubs in each division changes regularly because of promotion and relegation. This guide is updated before every new season to reflect the official league allocations published by the Premier League and the English Football League.
🔴 Premier League Clubs in London
Six clubs represent Greater London in the Premier League during the 2026/27 season. They span North, West and South London and include several of the world’s best-supported football clubs.
- Arsenal — Emirates Stadium (Islington)
- Brentford — Gtech Community Stadium (Hounslow)
- Chelsea — Stamford Bridge (Hammersmith & Fulham)
- Crystal Palace — Selhurst Park (Croydon)
- Fulham — Craven Cottage (Hammersmith & Fulham)
- Tottenham Hotspur — Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (Haringey)
London’s Premier League clubs range from record FA Cup winners Arsenal to modern venues such as Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and community success stories like Brentford, giving supporters a diverse football experience across the capital.
🔵 Championship Clubs in London
Four London clubs compete in the Championship for the 2026/27 campaign. The division combines historic clubs with passionate local support and several traditional London derbies.
- Charlton Athletic — The Valley (Greenwich)
- Millwall — The Den (Southwark)
- Queens Park Rangers — Loftus Road (Hammersmith & Fulham)
- West Ham United — London Stadium (Newham)
West Ham United’s relegation means the Championship now features one of England’s largest club stadiums. Combined with Charlton Athletic, Millwall and Queens Park Rangers, the division offers visitors an excellent opportunity to experience traditional English football at comparatively accessible ticket prices.
🟢 League One Clubs in London
Three clubs from Greater London compete in League One during the 2026/27 season.
- AFC Wimbledon — Plough Lane (Merton)
- Bromley — Hayes Lane (Bromley)
- Leyton Orient — Brisbane Road (Waltham Forest)
Bromley’s promotion to League One marks another milestone in the club’s remarkable rise through the English football pyramid, while AFC Wimbledon and Leyton Orient continue to represent long-established football communities in South and East London.
🟡 League Two Clubs in London
Barnet are London’s sole representative in League Two for the 2026/27 season.
- Barnet — The Hive Stadium (Harrow)
Although named after the London Borough of Barnet, the club has played its home matches at The Hive Stadium in neighbouring Harrow since 2013. The stadium is well connected by the London Underground, making it one of the easiest lower-league grounds to reach from Central London.
🏟️ London Football Club Profiles
London’s professional football clubs represent a remarkable mix of global sporting brands, historic community institutions and rapidly rising teams. While clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur regularly compete on the European stage, others preserve the traditional character of English football through loyal local support and deep connections to their boroughs.
The profiles below summarise each professional London club, including its home stadium, borough, history, major achievements and what makes it worth visiting for football supporters travelling to the capital.
🔴 North London Clubs
Arsenal FC
Founded in 1886, Arsenal are one of England’s most decorated football clubs and the most successful team in FA Cup history. After moving from Highbury in 2006, the club established the Emirates Stadium as one of Europe’s leading football venues while maintaining a global fanbase.
- Home: Emirates Stadium
- Capacity: 60,704
- Borough: Islington
- Nickname: The Gunners
- Main Rival: Tottenham Hotspur
- Major Honours: 13 English league titles, record 14 FA Cups, multiple European trophies.
The Arsenal Stadium Tour is regarded as one of England’s finest visitor experiences, combining dressing-room access, the players’ tunnel, interactive exhibits and the Arsenal Museum.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur were founded in 1882 and have become synonymous with attacking football and innovation. Since moving into the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2019, Spurs have played in one of the world’s most technologically advanced football venues.
- Home: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- Capacity: 62,850
- Borough: Haringey
- Nickname: Spurs
- Main Rival: Arsenal
- Major Honours: League champions, multiple FA Cups, League Cups and European trophies.
Beyond Premier League football, the stadium hosts NFL games, concerts and boxing events. Visitors can also book the popular Stadium Tour and the Dare Skywalk experience overlooking North London.
🔵 West London Clubs
Chelsea FC
Chelsea have developed into one of Europe’s most successful clubs during the 21st century. Stamford Bridge has been the club’s permanent home since 1905 and remains one of English football’s most recognisable stadiums.
- Home: Stamford Bridge
- Capacity: 40,022
- Borough: Hammersmith & Fulham
- Nickname: The Blues
- Main Rivals: Fulham, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur
- Major Honours: Multiple Premier League titles, UEFA Champions League winners, FIFA Club World Cup winners.
Fulham FC
Founded in 1879, Fulham are widely recognised as London’s oldest professional football club. Craven Cottage remains one of England’s most iconic football grounds thanks to its riverside location and historic Johnny Haynes Stand.
- Home: Craven Cottage
- Capacity: Approx. 29,600
- Borough: Hammersmith & Fulham
- Nickname: The Cottagers
- Main Rival: Chelsea
- Major Achievement: UEFA Europa League finalists in 2010.
The ongoing Riverside Stand redevelopment has modernised the stadium while preserving the traditional character that makes Craven Cottage one of England’s most distinctive football venues.
Brentford FC
Brentford are one of English football’s modern success stories. Intelligent recruitment, data-driven decision-making and sustainable growth helped the Bees establish themselves in the Premier League after moving into the Gtech Community Stadium in 2020.
- Home: Gtech Community Stadium
- Capacity: 17,250
- Borough: Hounslow
- Nickname: The Bees
- Main Rivals: Fulham and Queens Park Rangers
Brentford’s compact stadium creates one of the Premier League’s most intimate matchday atmospheres and is easily accessible from Central London.
Queens Park Rangers
Queens Park Rangers have represented West London since the nineteenth century and continue to play at Loftus Road, one of the most traditional football grounds in the capital. The club enjoys a loyal local following and has spent much of its modern history between the Premier League and the Championship.
- Home: Loftus Road
- Capacity: 18,439
- Borough: Hammersmith & Fulham
- Nickname: The Hoops
- Main Rivals: Brentford, Chelsea and Fulham
🟣 South London Clubs
South London has a distinctive football identity built around community clubs, passionate supporters and long-standing local rivalries. Five professional clubs are based south of the River Thames, creating one of England’s richest concentrations of traditional football culture.
Crystal Palace FC
Crystal Palace have established themselves as a consistent Premier League club while preserving one of English football’s best-known matchday atmospheres at Selhurst Park. The club enjoyed the greatest success in its history by winning the FA Cup in 2025 before adding the UEFA Conference League in 2026.
- Home: Selhurst Park
- Capacity: 25,486
- Borough: Croydon
- Nickname: The Eagles
- Main Rivals: Brighton & Hove Albion, Charlton Athletic and Millwall
- Major Honours: FA Cup winners (2025), UEFA Conference League winners (2026).
Millwall FC
Millwall remain one of England’s most recognisable community clubs. Their loyal fanbase and intense derby history have made The Den one of the country’s most famous football grounds.
- Home: The Den
- Capacity: 20,146
- Borough: Southwark
- Nickname: The Lions
- Main Rivals: West Ham United, Charlton Athletic and Crystal Palace
Charlton Athletic
Charlton Athletic continue to play at The Valley, one of England’s largest traditional football grounds. The Addicks remain an important part of South London’s football heritage.
- Home: The Valley
- Capacity: 27,111
- Borough: Greenwich
- Nickname: The Addicks
- Main Rival: Millwall
- Major Honour: FA Cup winners (1947).
AFC Wimbledon
AFC Wimbledon are internationally recognised as one of football’s greatest supporter-owned success stories. Established by fans in 2002, the club climbed from non-league football back into the EFL and returned home to Plough Lane in 2020.
- Home: Plough Lane
- Capacity: Approx. 9,200
- Borough: Merton
- Nickname: The Dons
- Main Rival: Milton Keynes Dons
Bromley FC
Bromley have experienced the most successful period in their history. After reaching the English Football League in 2024, the Ravens won the League Two title in 2026 and earned promotion to League One for the first time.
- Home: Hayes Lane
- Capacity: Approx. 5,000
- Borough: Bromley
- Nickname: The Ravens
🟠 East London Clubs
West Ham United
Founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC, West Ham United are one of England’s most historic clubs. Although competing in the Championship during the 2026/27 season, the Hammers remain one of London’s biggest football institutions and continue to play at the London Stadium in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
- Home: London Stadium
- Capacity: Approx. 62,500
- Borough: Newham
- Nickname: The Hammers
- Main Rival: Millwall
- Major Honour: UEFA Europa Conference League winners (2023).
Leyton Orient
Founded in 1881, Leyton Orient are one of London’s oldest football clubs. Brisbane Road has remained at the heart of the local community for generations and offers one of the most authentic matchday experiences in the capital.
- Home: Brisbane Road (Gaughan Group Stadium)
- Capacity: Approx. 9,300
- Borough: Waltham Forest
- Nickname: The O’s
🟡 North-West London Club
Barnet FC
Barnet were founded in 1888 and have spent much of their modern history moving between the English Football League and the National League. Although the club takes its name from the London Borough of Barnet, its current home is The Hive Stadium in Canons Park, within the London Borough of Harrow.
- Home: The Hive Stadium
- Capacity: Approx. 6,500
- Borough: Harrow
- Nickname: The Bees
- Current Division: League Two
- Traditional Rivals: Enfield and other nearby North London clubs
The Hive is a modern football and training complex located close to Canons Park Underground station. Its Jubilee line connection makes Barnet one of the most accessible lower-league clubs for visitors travelling from Central London.
🗺️ Interactive Map of London Football Clubs
The interactive map below shows the locations of all 14 Greater London clubs competing in the Premier League and English Football League during the 2026/27 season. Use the controls to zoom in, compare stadium locations and plan journeys between different parts of the capital.
The closest clusters are found in West London, where Chelsea, Fulham, Brentford and Queens Park Rangers are located within a relatively compact area. North London is dominated by Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, while South London contains the largest number of professional clubs overall.
💡 Map Tip
Stadium locations do not always match club names exactly. Queens Park Rangers play in Hammersmith and Fulham rather than Queen’s Park, while Barnet play at The Hive in Harrow rather than in the London Borough of Barnet.
📍 Football Clubs by London Borough
London’s football geography is closely connected to its boroughs and neighbourhoods. Some areas are represented by one major club, while Hammersmith and Fulham contains three professional teams within only a few miles of each other.
| Borough | Club or Clubs | Division in 2026/27 |
|---|---|---|
| Islington | Arsenal | Premier League |
| Haringey | Tottenham Hotspur | Premier League |
| Hammersmith & Fulham | Chelsea, Fulham, Queens Park Rangers | Premier League / Championship |
| Hounslow | Brentford | Premier League |
| Croydon | Crystal Palace | Premier League |
| Newham | West Ham United | Championship |
| Southwark | Millwall | Championship |
| Greenwich | Charlton Athletic | Championship |
| Merton | AFC Wimbledon | League One |
| Bromley | Bromley | League One |
| Waltham Forest | Leyton Orient | League One |
| Harrow | Barnet | League Two |
Queens Park Rangers are named after Queen’s Park but play at Loftus Road in Hammersmith and Fulham. Barnet represent the historic Barnet area but play their home matches at The Hive Stadium in Harrow.
North London
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are the two dominant clubs in North London. Their stadiums are separated by only a few miles, and their rivalry forms one of the most important derbies in English football.
West London
West London has the capital’s most concentrated group of professional clubs. Chelsea, Fulham, Brentford and Queens Park Rangers can all be reached relatively easily from the same central or western transport hubs.
South London
Crystal Palace, Millwall, Charlton Athletic, AFC Wimbledon and Bromley give South London the largest regional concentration of professional clubs. The area is especially attractive to visitors seeking traditional grounds and strong local support.
East London
West Ham United and Leyton Orient represent two very different sides of East London football. West Ham play in one of the country’s largest stadiums, while Leyton Orient retain the character of a compact neighbourhood club.
North-West London
Barnet are the only professional club in this guide based in North-West London. The Hive’s location near the Jubilee line provides straightforward access from areas such as Wembley, Baker Street and London Bridge.
🚇 Getting to London’s Football Stadiums
All 14 stadiums can be reached by public transport, although journey times vary considerably depending on the starting point, interchange and matchday restrictions. Underground, Overground and National Rail services are generally more reliable than driving because parking near London stadiums is limited.
| Club | Nearest Useful Station | Main Service |
|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | Arsenal | Piccadilly line |
| Tottenham Hotspur | White Hart Lane | London Overground |
| Chelsea | Fulham Broadway | District line |
| Fulham | Putney Bridge | District line |
| Brentford | Kew Bridge | National Rail |
| Queens Park Rangers | White City / Shepherd’s Bush Market | Central / Circle / Hammersmith & City lines |
| Crystal Palace | Norwood Junction or Selhurst | National Rail / London Overground |
| Millwall | South Bermondsey | National Rail |
| Charlton Athletic | Charlton | National Rail |
| AFC Wimbledon | Haydons Road | National Rail |
| Bromley | Bromley South | National Rail, followed by local bus or walk |
| West Ham United | Stratford | Underground, Elizabeth line, Overground and National Rail |
| Leyton Orient | Leyton | Central line |
| Barnet | Canons Park | Jubilee line |
⚠️ Matchday Travel Note
Stations may operate temporary queuing systems before and after major matches. Allow additional travel time, follow club-specific transport guidance and check Transport for London or National Rail updates on the day of the fixture.
📊 London Football Club Comparison
The following table compares all 14 Greater London clubs competing in England’s top four divisions in 2026/27. It provides a quick overview of each club’s league, home stadium, location and approximate stadium capacity.
Decisive point: London offers far more than Premier League football. Supporters can choose between major international venues, historic inner-city grounds and compact lower-league stadiums with strong community identities.
| Club | Division 2026/27 | Stadium | Capacity | Borough |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tottenham Hotspur | Premier League | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | 62,850 | Haringey |
| West Ham United | Championship | London Stadium | 62,500 | Newham |
| Arsenal | Premier League | Emirates Stadium | 60,704 | Islington |
| Chelsea | Premier League | Stamford Bridge | 40,022 | Hammersmith & Fulham |
| Fulham | Premier League | Craven Cottage | Approx. 29,600 | Hammersmith & Fulham |
| Charlton Athletic | Championship | The Valley | 27,111 | Greenwich |
| Crystal Palace | Premier League | Selhurst Park | 25,486 | Croydon |
| Millwall | Championship | The Den | 20,146 | Southwark |
| Queens Park Rangers | Championship | Loftus Road | 18,439 | Hammersmith & Fulham |
| Brentford | Premier League | Gtech Community Stadium | 17,250 | Hounslow |
| Leyton Orient | League One | Brisbane Road | Approx. 9,300 | Waltham Forest |
| AFC Wimbledon | League One | Plough Lane | Approx. 9,200 | Merton |
| Barnet | League Two | The Hive Stadium | Approx. 6,500 | Harrow |
| Bromley | League One | Hayes Lane | Approx. 5,000 | Bromley |
Capacity figures can differ slightly according to competition rules, segregation arrangements, redevelopment work and matchday configuration. Approximate figures are used where the practical operating capacity may vary.
🔎 Comparison at a Glance
- Largest club stadium: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- Smallest stadium in this guide: Hayes Lane
- Oldest professional club: Fulham, founded in 1879
- Most clubs in one borough: Hammersmith & Fulham, with Chelsea, Fulham and Queens Park Rangers
- Largest regional concentration: South London, with five professional clubs
- Newest EFL success story: Bromley, promoted to League One in 2026
🏟️ Biggest Football Stadiums in London
London’s largest club football stadiums range from modern multi-purpose arenas to historic grounds that have been redeveloped over several generations. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is the capital’s largest dedicated club venue, narrowly ahead of West Ham United’s London Stadium.
| Rank | Stadium | Club | Capacity | Opened as Current Home |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | Tottenham Hotspur | 62,850 | 2019 |
| 2 | London Stadium | West Ham United | 62,500 | 2016 |
| 3 | Emirates Stadium | Arsenal | 60,704 | 2006 |
| 4 | Stamford Bridge | Chelsea | 40,022 | 1905 |
| 5 | Craven Cottage | Fulham | Approx. 29,600 | 1896 |
| 6 | The Valley | Charlton Athletic | 27,111 | 1919 |
| 7 | Selhurst Park | Crystal Palace | 25,486 | 1924 |
| 8 | The Den | Millwall | 20,146 | 1993 |
| 9 | Loftus Road | Queens Park Rangers | 18,439 | 1917 |
| 10 | Gtech Community Stadium | Brentford | 17,250 | 2020 |
| 11 | Brisbane Road | Leyton Orient | Approx. 9,300 | 1937 |
| 12 | Plough Lane | AFC Wimbledon | Approx. 9,200 | 2020 |
| 13 | The Hive Stadium | Barnet | Approx. 6,500 | 2013 |
| 14 | Hayes Lane | Bromley | Approx. 5,000 | 1938 |
“Opened as current home” refers to the year in which the listed club began playing at the venue. Several grounds existed before the club moved in or have since undergone major redevelopment.
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
With 62,850 seats, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is the largest club stadium in London. It features a retractable grass pitch above a separate artificial surface, allowing the venue to stage Premier League football, NFL games, concerts and other major events.
The 17,500-seat single-tier South Stand is one of the venue’s defining features. The stadium also includes extensive hospitality areas, a microbrewery, the Goal Line Bar and the Dare Skywalk visitor attraction.
London Stadium
Originally built for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, London Stadium became West Ham United’s home in 2016. Its football configuration accommodates approximately 62,500 spectators, making it the second-largest club ground in the capital.
The stadium forms part of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and benefits from extensive transport connections at Stratford. Its multi-purpose design differs significantly from London’s traditional football-specific grounds.
Emirates Stadium
Arsenal moved from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium in 2006. The 60,704-seat venue combines modern facilities with strong connections to the club’s history, including statues, murals and the nearby preserved façade of the former Highbury ground.
Stamford Bridge
Stamford Bridge has been Chelsea’s home since the club was founded in 1905. Its 40,022 capacity makes it considerably smaller than London’s three largest grounds, but its enclosed stands and central West London location create a distinctive matchday setting.
📈 Stadium Analysis
London’s stadium landscape reflects two different development models. Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, West Ham United and Brentford have moved into major new venues during the 21st century. Chelsea, Fulham, Crystal Palace, Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient continue to use historic sites that have evolved gradually over time.
For visitors, the largest stadium is not automatically the best choice. Modern arenas generally provide more extensive facilities, while smaller traditional grounds often place supporters closer to the pitch and offer a stronger sense of local football culture.
🔥 London Derbies and Football Rivalries
Few cities in world football can match London’s variety of local rivalries. With fourteen professional clubs spread across the capital, supporters can experience everything from globally recognised Premier League showpieces to fiercely contested neighbourhood derbies rooted in more than a century of local history.
While the North London Derby attracts worldwide television audiences, rivalries in South, West and East London remain equally significant to local supporters. Many of these fixtures are shaped by geography, historical identity, social differences and generations of competition.
| Derby | Clubs | Region | Main Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| North London Derby | Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur | North London | England’s most famous intra-city rivalry |
| Dockers Derby | West Ham United vs Millwall | East / South-East London | Historic working-class rivalry |
| South London Derby | Millwall, Charlton, Crystal Palace | South London | Long-standing local competition |
| West London Derby | Chelsea, Fulham, Brentford, QPR | West London | Neighbouring clubs with overlapping fanbases |
| East London Derby | West Ham United vs Leyton Orient | East London | Historic regional fixture, played infrequently today |
🔴 North London Derby
The rivalry between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur is widely regarded as London’s biggest football derby and one of the most important domestic rivalries in world football. Its origins date back to Arsenal’s move from Woolwich to Highbury in 1913, bringing the club into Tottenham’s traditional territory.
The relationship deteriorated further after Arsenal’s controversial election to the First Division in 1919. Since then, league titles, cup finals, European qualification and local pride have all intensified the fixture, making every meeting one of the highlights of the English football calendar.
- First league meeting: 1909
- Local rivalry since Arsenal’s move to Highbury in 1913
- Regular Premier League fixture
- One of the world’s most watched club derbies
For many supporters, finishing above the local rival is almost as important as winning silverware.
🔵 West London Derbies
West London features the highest concentration of professional clubs in the capital. Chelsea, Fulham, Brentford and Queens Park Rangers are located within a relatively small geographical area, creating numerous local rivalries that have developed over decades.
Chelsea’s oldest local rivalry is with Fulham, whose Craven Cottage lies only a short distance from Stamford Bridge. Brentford’s rise into the Premier League has revived fixtures against both Fulham and Chelsea, while Queens Park Rangers continue to contest competitive West London derbies in the Championship.
| Fixture | Distance Between Stadiums | Typical Competition |
|---|---|---|
| Chelsea – Fulham | Approx. 2 km | Premier League |
| Fulham – Brentford | Approx. 8 km | Premier League |
| QPR – Chelsea | Approx. 5 km | Cup competitions / occasional league meetings |
| QPR – Brentford | Approx. 7 km | Championship (historically) |
🟣 South London Derbies
South London is unique because several long-established professional clubs coexist within neighbouring boroughs. Millwall, Charlton Athletic, Crystal Palace, AFC Wimbledon and Bromley each represent different communities with distinct football identities.
The strongest traditional rivalry is between Millwall and Charlton Athletic, although Crystal Palace have also developed intense rivalries with both clubs. AFC Wimbledon and Bromley contribute additional local interest despite spending much of their histories in different divisions.
Supporter Culture
South London derbies are traditionally characterised by strong local identities rather than global audiences. Matchdays often attract generations of families from the same neighbourhoods, creating a distinctive atmosphere that differs from the more internationally followed Premier League rivalries.
⚒️ Dockers Derby: West Ham United vs Millwall
Few rivalries in English football carry the historical significance of West Ham United against Millwall. The fixture originated in the late nineteenth century when workers employed by rival dock companies in East London competed both professionally and socially.
Because the clubs have often played in different divisions, meetings have become relatively rare. Nevertheless, the Dockers Derby remains one of England’s most recognisable football rivalries and continues to attract exceptional attention whenever the clubs meet in league or cup competitions.
🏆 History and Major Honours
London clubs have shaped English football for well over a century. Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have won league championships, domestic cups and major European trophies, while West Ham United, Crystal Palace, Charlton Athletic and Fulham have all produced memorable achievements at home and abroad.
The capital has also supplied numerous England internationals, hosted countless major finals and remains one of the world’s leading football destinations for travelling supporters.
🏅 Domestic Honours
| Club | League Titles | FA Cups | League Cups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 13 | 14 | 2 |
| Chelsea | 6 | 8 | 5 |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 2 | 8 | 4 |
| West Ham United | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Crystal Palace | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Charlton Athletic | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Others | 0 | 0 | 0 |
🌍 European Honours
| Club | Major UEFA Titles |
|---|---|
| Chelsea | Champions League (2), Europa League (2), Cup Winners’ Cup (2), UEFA Super Cup (2), UEFA Conference League (1) |
| Tottenham Hotspur | Europa League / UEFA Cup (3), Cup Winners’ Cup (1) |
| West Ham United | UEFA Europa Conference League (2023), Cup Winners’ Cup (1965) |
| Arsenal | Cup Winners’ Cup (1994), Inter-Cities Fairs Cup (1970) |
| Crystal Palace | UEFA Conference League (2026) |
| Fulham | Europa League runners-up (2010) |
📈 Historical Perspective
Arsenal remain London’s most successful domestic club, holding the record for FA Cup victories and thirteen English league championships. Chelsea are the capital’s most successful modern European club, while Tottenham Hotspur were the first English side to win a major UEFA competition. West Ham United continue to occupy a unique place in English football history through their academy tradition and European successes, and Crystal Palace added a new chapter by winning the FA Cup in 2025 before lifting the UEFA Conference League in 2026.
🎟️ London Football Stadium Tours
Watching a live match is only one way to experience London’s football culture. Several clubs offer official stadium tours throughout the year, giving visitors access to dressing rooms, players’ tunnels, press facilities, museums and areas normally reserved for players and staff.
Tour availability, opening days and routes can change because of fixtures, concerts or maintenance work. Booking in advance through each club’s official website is strongly recommended, particularly during weekends, school holidays and the summer tourist season.
| Club | Official Tour Available | Main Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | Yes | Emirates Stadium, dressing rooms, tunnel, museum |
| Chelsea | Yes | Stamford Bridge, museum, media areas, dressing rooms |
| Tottenham Hotspur | Yes | Stadium Tour, Dare Skywalk, NFL facilities |
| Fulham | Yes | Craven Cottage, Riverside Stand, Johnny Haynes Stand |
| West Ham United | Yes | London Stadium visitor experience |
| Brentford | Limited | Selected organised tours and special events |
| Crystal Palace | Limited | Occasional club experiences |
| Millwall | Occasional | Special club events |
| Charlton Athletic | Occasional | Community and club events |
| Queens Park Rangers | Occasional | Selected organised experiences |
| AFC Wimbledon | Occasional | Supporter and community events |
| Bromley | No regular public tour | Matchday visits only |
| Leyton Orient | No regular public tour | Matchday visits only |
| Barnet | No regular public tour | Matchday visits only |
Editor’s Recommendation
For first-time visitors, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur provide the most comprehensive stadium experiences, combining guided tours with museums, interactive exhibitions and behind-the-scenes access. Fulham offers a completely different atmosphere, with one of England’s most historic riverside football grounds.
🧳 Planning a Football Trip to London
London is one of the easiest cities in Europe for planning a football-focused weekend. Depending on the fixture list, supporters can often watch multiple matches across different divisions during the same trip while visiting stadiums with completely different histories and atmospheres.
Best Time to Visit
- August to May offers regular league fixtures.
- December provides the traditional festive football schedule.
- Spring often includes FA Cup and European knockout matches.
- Summer is ideal for stadium tours but has fewer competitive fixtures.
Buying Match Tickets
Premier League matches frequently sell out well in advance. Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur generally require club memberships or official hospitality packages for high-demand fixtures. Championship and League One matches are usually easier to attend, while League Two fixtures often provide the greatest availability.
Transport
Transport for London, National Rail and the Elizabeth line connect almost every stadium included in this guide. Visitors should allow additional travel time before and after major fixtures because stations may introduce crowd-control measures.
Accommodation
Staying near King’s Cross, Paddington, Liverpool Street or London Bridge offers excellent transport connections to most football stadiums across the capital. These areas also make it easier to combine football with sightseeing and evening entertainment.
Suggested Football Weekend
- Friday: Stadium tour at Arsenal, Chelsea or Tottenham.
- Saturday: Premier League afternoon match.
- Sunday: Championship or League One fixture before returning home.
💡 Interesting Facts About London Football
- Greater London has 14 professional clubs competing in England’s top four divisions during the 2026/27 season.
- Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is London’s largest dedicated club football stadium with a capacity of 62,850.
- Fulham, founded in 1879, are widely recognised as London’s oldest professional football club.
- Arsenal have won a record 14 FA Cups, more than any other English club.
- Chelsea are London’s most successful club in the UEFA Champions League, having won the competition twice.
- Crystal Palace captured the first major trophies in the club’s history by winning the FA Cup in 2025 and the UEFA Conference League in 2026.
- The North London Derby is among the most watched domestic football rivalries in the world.
- Hammersmith & Fulham is the only London borough with three professional clubs.
- South London contains five professional clubs across the top four divisions.
- London has hosted numerous FA Cup Finals, European finals and international tournaments, reinforcing its status as one of football’s global capitals.
Why London Is Unique
No other city in England combines such a concentration of elite clubs, historic stadiums, local rivalries and football tourism opportunities. Whether supporters are interested in Premier League title races or traditional lower-league football, London offers experiences that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the country.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many professional football clubs are there in London?
Greater London has 14 professional men’s football clubs competing across England’s top four divisions during the 2026/27 season. Six play in the Premier League, four in the Championship, three in League One and one in League Two.
Which London club has the biggest stadium?
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is London’s largest dedicated club football stadium with a capacity of 62,850. West Ham United’s London Stadium is slightly smaller in football configuration, accommodating approximately 62,500 spectators.
Which is London’s oldest professional football club?
Fulham Football Club, founded in 1879, is widely recognised as London’s oldest professional football club. Craven Cottage has been the club’s home since 1896 and remains one of England’s most historic football venues.
Which London football rivalry is the biggest?
The North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur is generally regarded as the capital’s biggest football rivalry. It is one of the Premier League’s most anticipated fixtures every season and attracts a worldwide television audience.
Can tourists visit London’s football stadiums?
Yes. Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham and West Ham United all operate official visitor experiences for much of the year. Availability varies depending on fixtures, concerts and maintenance, so advance booking is recommended.
Which London clubs play in the Premier League?
During the 2026/27 season the Premier League’s London representatives are Arsenal, Brentford, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur.
Which London club won the most recent major trophy?
Crystal Palace enjoyed the most successful period in the club’s history by winning the FA Cup in 2025 before lifting the UEFA Conference League in 2026. Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have also collected major domestic and European honours during the modern era.
📝 Article Updates and Editorial Note
Latest Editorial Review
- Last reviewed: 24 July 2026
- League allocations verified for the 2026/27 season.
- West Ham United moved to the Championship following relegation.
- Bromley promoted to League One.
- Crystal Palace honours updated to include the FA Cup (2025) and UEFA Conference League (2026).
- Chelsea’s stadium capacity corrected to the current official figure.
- Interactive Google Map restored.
- Broken HTML structure, duplicate sections and duplicate IDs removed.
This guide is reviewed before every English football season and whenever significant structural changes occur within London’s professional football pyramid. League membership, stadium capacities, club honours and visitor information may change over time because of promotion, relegation, redevelopment projects or official club announcements.
Whenever possible, league allocations and stadium information are checked against official sources published by the Premier League, the English Football League and the clubs themselves.
Sources:
- Premier League
- English Football League (EFL)
- The Football Association
- Official websites of Arsenal FC, Chelsea FC, Tottenham Hotspur FC, West Ham United FC, Fulham FC, Brentford FC, Crystal Palace FC, Millwall FC, Charlton Athletic FC, Queens Park Rangers FC, AFC Wimbledon, Bromley FC, Leyton Orient FC and Barnet FC.
This article is intended as an informational travel and football guide. Match schedules, ticket availability, stadium tours and capacities are subject to change. Please consult the relevant club before travelling.
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