West Ham rivals are an important part of English football. West Ham United have several clubs they share a strong history with, but not every rivalry has the same meaning.
The biggest name is Millwall. The West Ham vs Millwall rivalry has a long history that goes back more than 100 years.
West Ham also have important rivalries with Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. Manchester United are another well-known opponent, although that relationship is more about major football matches than local rivalry.
So, who are the main West Ham United rivals, and why do these games matter?
Who Are West Ham’s Main Rivals?
The main clubs linked with West Ham rivalries are:
- Millwall
- Tottenham Hotspur
- Chelsea
- Manchester United
The west ham rival most often associated with the club is Millwall.
West Ham and Millwall come from nearby parts of London. Their history, supporters and local roots helped create one of English football’s most famous rivalries.
West Ham vs Millwall Rivalry
The West Ham vs Millwall rivalry is also known as the Dockers’ Derby.
Millwall was founded in 1885. Thames Ironworks, which later became West Ham United, was founded in 1895.
Both clubs had strong links to the docklands. Their grounds were also only a few miles apart.
This made the West Ham Millwall rivalry different from many other football rivalries.
The first competitive meeting came in 1899. Millwall Athletic beat Thames Ironworks 2–1 in the FA Cup.
Since then, the sides met many times in league and cup competitions.
West Ham vs Millwall Head-to-Head
Before their 2026 meeting, the clubs had played 99 competitive games.
The record was:
- Millwall wins: 38
- West Ham wins: 34
- Draws: 27
Millwall also recorded the biggest win. They beat West Ham’s predecessor 7–1 in 1903.
The close record shows why Millwall vs West Ham has remained such an important fixture.
Why Are West Ham and Millwall Rivals?
The rivalry started with location and local history.
West Ham and Millwall developed in London’s docklands. Many supporters had links to the local working communities.
The clubs then became regular competitors.
Over time, the rivalry became known for its intense atmosphere. Some meetings also had serious crowd problems.
That history should not be confused with the views or actions of every supporter. Most fans simply follow their team and enjoy the competition.
Today, West Ham and Millwall remain connected by one of the oldest rivalries in London football.
West Ham to Millwall: Why Did They Stop Meeting?
One common search is West Ham to Millwall, especially when fans want to know when the clubs will meet again.
For many years, the answer was simple: they were playing in different divisions.
West Ham spent long periods in the top flight, while Millwall played outside the Premier League.
Because they were in different divisions, regular league meetings were not possible.
The clubs last met competitively in 2012 before their return to the same division in 2026.
West Ham and Millwall Return in 2026
The West Ham United Millwall rivalry returns to the Championship in 2026.
The first meeting of the 2026–27 season is scheduled at The Den on September 19, 2026.
This brings the historic rivalry back after a long break.
The return is especially interesting because the teams have spent many years apart. West Ham were a regular top division club, while Millwall continued to compete lower in the English football system.
For West Ham fans and Millwall supporters, the return adds a major local fixture to the Championship season.
West Ham vs Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur are another important West Ham rival.
This is a classic London derby. West Ham are from East London, while Tottenham are from North London.
The clubs have played many times in the Premier League and cup competitions.
West Ham vs Tottenham should not be confused with the North London derby. The North London derby is between Arsenal and Tottenham.
The West Ham-Tottenham rivalry is mainly based on London geography, football competition and a long history of league games.
West Ham vs Chelsea
Chelsea are also among the important West Ham United rivals.
Both clubs are based in London, and their teams have played many competitive games.
The fixture has appeared regularly in the Premier League and domestic cup competitions.
That creates many local fixtures and rivalries.
Examples include:
London has several major clubs, so games between teams such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham create a busy football rivalry scene.
Manchester United and West Ham
Manchester United and West Ham have also played each other many times.
Searches such as man united and West Ham, Manchester United West Ham, and West Ham v Manchester United are usually connected with their Premier League and cup meetings.
This is not a local London rivalry. Manchester United are based in Manchester, while West Ham are a London team.
However, the clubs have shared many important football matches, including FA Cup and Premier League games.
Why Does London Have So Many Football Rivalries?
London has more major football clubs than most English cities.
- West Ham vs Millwall
- West Ham vs Tottenham
- West Ham vs Chelsea
- Arsenal vs Chelsea
- Arsenal vs Tottenham
- Chelsea vs Tottenham
This is why terms such as Premier League London derby, football derby, derby in London, and Premier League teams in London are commonly searched by football fans.
The location of the clubs is often the starting point. History and supporters then make the rivalry stronger.
West Ham Rivals FAQs
Who is West Ham’s biggest rival?
Millwall is the club most closely associated with West Ham’s historic and fiercest rivalry.
Why are West Ham and Millwall rivals?
Both clubs have deep roots in London’s docklands. Their close location and working-class history helped create the rivalry.
What is the West Ham vs Millwall rivalry called?
It is commonly known as the Dockers’ Derby.
When did West Ham first play Millwall?
Their first competitive meeting was in 1899, when Millwall Athletic beat Thames Ironworks 2–1 in the FA Cup.
Are Tottenham rivals with West Ham?
Yes. West Ham and Tottenham have a long-running London rivalry.
Are Chelsea rivals with West Ham?
Yes. Chelsea and West Ham are London rivals with a long history of competitive matches.
Are Manchester United rivals with West Ham?
Manchester United are an important competitive opponent, but their rivalry is different from West Ham’s local rivalries with Millwall, Tottenham and Chelsea.
Final Thoughts
The story of West Ham rivals includes several different types of rivalry.
The West Ham Millwall rivalry has the strongest local and historical roots. Tottenham and Chelsea are important London rivals, while Manchester United represent a major competitive opponent outside London.
For football fans, the return of Millwall vs West Ham in 2026 adds a new chapter to one of London’s oldest football rivalries.
The history, local identity and long list of memorable matches are what make these West Ham United rivals important to the club and its supporters.
2 thoughts on “West Ham Rivals: 5 Fierce Rivalries Explained”