London has more than just the Tube, the Thames, and red double-deckers. It’s home to some of the most famous football clubs in the world, each with its own history, fan culture, and stadium that feels like a second home to tens of thousands. Whether you’re a local, a tourist, or just getting into football, knowing which clubs call London home - and where they play - makes the game come alive.
London’s Big Six: The Premier League Powerhouses
London doesn’t just have football clubs. It has Premier League giants that shape the entire league. Six clubs from the capital play in England’s top flight as of the 2025-26 season. These aren’t just teams - they’re institutions.
- Arsenal FC - Based in North London, they play at the Emirates Stadium, which opened in 2006. With over 60,000 seats, it’s one of the most modern venues in the country. Arsenal has won 13 top-flight titles, including the famous 2003-04 ‘Invincibles’ season where they went unbeaten.
- Chelsea FC - The Blues call Stamford Bridge home. It’s one of the oldest major stadiums in England, first used in 1877. Chelsea has won six Premier League titles since 2000, including back-to-back wins in 2014-15 and 2016-17. Their blue-and-white kits are instantly recognizable.
- Tottenham Hotspur - Located in North London, Spurs moved into their new 62,850-seat stadium in 2019. It’s the largest club stadium in London and features a retractable pitch with a football field above a NFL-sized American football field. Tottenham has never won the Premier League but has two league titles from the 1950s and 1960s.
- West Ham United - The Hammers moved from the Boleyn Ground to the London Stadium in 2016. The venue was originally built for the 2012 Olympics and holds 66,000 fans. West Ham has won the FA Cup three times, most recently in 1980. Their iconic claret and blue colors and the ‘I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles’ chant are part of London football folklore.
- Crystal Palace - Based in South London, they play at Selhurst Park, a ground that has hosted matches since 1924. Crystal Palace has never won a top-flight title but has a loyal fanbase and a reputation for dramatic comebacks. Their home is one of the most atmospheric smaller stadiums in the Premier League.
- Charlton Athletic - Wait, no. Charlton is in London, but they play in League One as of 2025. They’re not in the Premier League. The sixth club? That’s Queens Park Rangers. QPR plays at Loftus Road in West London. They’ve had two Premier League spells, most recently in 2014-15. Their yellow and blue stripes stand out, and their fanbase is known for being fiercely loyal despite decades of ups and downs.
Stadiums That Tell Stories
London’s football grounds aren’t just concrete and steel. They’re places where history lives in the stands.
Stamford Bridge feels like a temple to football. The away fans call it ‘The Bridge’ - a place where legends like John Terry and Didier Drogba lifted trophies. The old East Stand still has the original 1930s brickwork. Fans say you can feel the ghosts of the 1971 FA Cup final in the air.
The Emirates Stadium replaced Highbury, where Arsenal played for 93 years. Highbury is now luxury flats, but the old clock tower still stands. You can walk past it and see the same view that fans saw when Thierry Henry scored his 228th goal.
Loftus Road is small - just under 18,000 seats - but it’s one of the most intimate grounds in the Premier League. The home end is so close to the pitch that you can hear players talking. It’s the kind of place where a last-minute goal feels like it’s happening right in your lap.
The London Stadium is a beast. Built for the Olympics, it’s too big for West Ham’s fanbase. But the atmosphere still pops on big nights. When West Ham beat Manchester United 2-1 in 2023, the entire stadium shook. That’s the power of a home crowd in a big stadium.
Other London Clubs You Should Know
Not every club plays in the Premier League - but they still matter.
- Fulham FC - Based in West London, they play at Craven Cottage on the banks of the Thames. It’s one of the most picturesque grounds in England, with a 19th-century stand overlooking the river. Fulham was in the Premier League as recently as 2021-22 and has a strong youth academy.
- Brentford FC - The Bees moved into their new 17,250-seat Brentford Community Stadium in 2020. They earned promotion to the Premier League in 2021 and have stayed there since. Their style is data-driven - one of the first clubs to use analytics to build a competitive team on a small budget.
- Millwall FC - Based in South East London, Millwall plays at The Den. It’s known for its intimidating atmosphere and a fanbase that’s passionate - sometimes controversial. They’ve never won a top-flight title but have two FA Cup wins, in 1903 and 1905.
- FC London - Wait, no. There’s no club called FC London. That’s a common mistake. The city has clubs with names like Chelsea or West Ham, not generic names. Don’t get fooled by fake websites.
Derbies That Ignite the City
London has more than 10 derbies. The biggest ones aren’t just matches - they’re social events.
The North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham is the fiercest. It’s not just about football. It’s about class, geography, and pride. When Arsenal won 5-1 at White Hart Lane in 2004, the celebrations lasted for days. When Tottenham won 4-2 in 2021, their fans sang for hours.
The West London Derby - Chelsea vs. Fulham - is quieter but just as intense. The rivalry is older than most people realize. It dates back to 1894. In 2024, Chelsea won 3-0 at Craven Cottage, and the crowd at Fulham’s ground was so silent, you could hear the referee’s whistle echo.
The East London Derby between West Ham and Charlton is less frequent now - Charlton isn’t in the top flight - but when they meet, the tension is real. The last meeting in 2019 ended 1-1, and over 50,000 fans traveled to the London Stadium.
How to Visit: A Fan’s Guide
If you’re planning to see a match in London, here’s what you need to know.
- Book tickets early - Premier League games sell out fast. Use the club’s official website. Avoid touts - they’re illegal and risky.
- Check the transport - Most stadiums are well-connected. Arsenal is near Emirates Station (Piccadilly Line). Chelsea is a 10-minute walk from Fulham Broadway (District Line). West Ham is right next to Stratford International (Jubilee Line).
- Know the rules - No flares. No alcohol in the stands. No banners with offensive language. Security is tight, especially after the 2021 UEFA Champions League final chaos.
- Arrive early - Gates open two hours before kick-off. Walk around the stadium. Take photos. Buy a scarf. Eat a pie. It’s part of the experience.
- Respect the fans - Even if you’re not a supporter, don’t wear rival colors inside the stadium. It’s not a fashion show. It’s a community.
What’s Next for London Football?
London’s football scene is evolving. Brentford’s rise shows that small clubs can compete with giants. Tottenham’s new stadium proved that investment can bring global attention. But the real story is the fans.
Every season, new generations walk into Stamford Bridge, the Emirates, or Selhurst Park for the first time. They don’t know the names of the 1970s heroes. But they know the chants. They know the colors. They know what it means to stand with 50,000 others and scream until your voice breaks.
That’s what keeps London football alive. Not the money. Not the trophies. The people.
Which London football club has the largest stadium?
Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium, opened in 2019, is the largest in London with a capacity of 62,850. It’s bigger than the Emirates Stadium (60,704) and the London Stadium (66,000), but the London Stadium is used by West Ham and is owned by the city. For club-only use, Tottenham holds the record.
How many Premier League clubs are based in London?
As of the 2025-26 season, there are six Premier League clubs based in London: Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Crystal Palace, and Queens Park Rangers. All six have their home grounds within Greater London.
Which London club has won the most top-flight titles?
Arsenal has won the most top-flight titles among London clubs, with 13 league championships. Their last title came in 2003-04, when they went unbeaten. Chelsea follows with six Premier League titles since 2000, and Tottenham has two from the 1950s and 1960s.
Can you visit London football stadiums outside match days?
Yes, most London clubs offer guided stadium tours. Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium tour includes the dressing rooms, tunnel, and press box. Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge tour lets you sit in the dugout. West Ham’s London Stadium tour even includes the Olympic legacy exhibits. Tours usually run daily and cost between £18 and £25.
What’s the oldest football stadium still in use in London?
Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea FC, is the oldest major stadium still in use in London. It opened in 1877 and has been hosting football since 1905. The original East Stand still has its 1930s brickwork, making it a living piece of football history.