> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.sportmonks.com/v3/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.sportmonks.com/v3/tutorials-and-guides/guides/how-to-use-the-coverage-finder.md).
# How to use the Coverage Finder
Use Coverage Finder to find football leagues, check the data available for each one and compare competitions against your requirements. This guide takes you from searching for a league to checking individual fields and making an API request.
## Before you start
{% hint style="info" %}
You need a Sportmonks account, including a free account, to use Coverage Finder. It shows global football coverage rather than your subscription's selected leagues. You need an API token and access to your chosen league to make the API request at the end of this guide.
{% endhint %}
[Open Coverage Finder](https://my.sportmonks.com/coverage-finder?utm_source=docs\&utm_medium=tutorial\&utm_campaign=coverage-finder-launch)
## 1. Open Coverage Finder
1. Sign in to My Sportmonks.
2. Expand **API** in the navigation and select **Coverage Finder**.
3. Coverage Finder opens in Globe view. If the introductory tour appears, follow it or select Skip.
## 2. Find a league
### Browse by country with Globe
Start in **Globe** view, the Coverage Finder landing page.
1. Search for a country and select it, or use the region shortcuts to browse.
2. Filter the country's leagues and cups to find the result you need.
3. Select a league to open its coverage page.
### Search by league name with Table
If you know the league name, select **Table** to search directly.
1. Enter `Premier League` in **Search leagues**.
2. Check the country beneath each result. Several leagues share the same name.
3. Select **Premier League** for **England** to open its coverage page.
Use **Continent**, **Country** and **Competition type** to narrow your results when needed.
### Search in plain English
Stay in **Table** view to search by your project's requirements. Enter a request such as `Leagues in England with lineups` in **Ask in plain English…** and select **Ask**. Review the explanation and applied filters before opening a result.
## 3. Check individual data fields
On the league page, confirm its country and competition type. Under **What we cover for this league**, locate the category your feature needs, such as **Schedule & Results**, **Statistics** or **Expected Goals**.
1. Enter `lineup` in **Filter by attribute name...**.
2. Find **Lineups**, **Expected Lineups** or the related statistics you need.
3. Read the rating beside each attribute and its group's **fields available** count.
4. Clear the search to inspect other fields. Expand **Livescores & Events** for events such as goals, cards and substitutions.
Check individual fields even when the overall category has a high rating.
## 4. View a fixture data example
1. On the league page, select **Latest fixture** in the **Summary** section.
2. Review the match details and score in the example.
3. Select a tab such as **Events**, **Lineup**, **Statistics** or **Match Facts** to inspect the available sample data.
4. Close the example to return to the league's coverage page.
{% hint style="info" %}
The example shows a sample of data from the league's most recently played fixture. More data is available via the API. Use it alongside the individual field ratings; one match does not establish coverage for every fixture.
{% endhint %}
## 5. Compare leagues by required data
* Return to **Table**.
* Expand **Schedule & Results** in the sidebar and select **Lineups**, or select the fields your project requires.
* Use **Detailed view** in Coverage mode to display subcategory columns.
* Select **Comparison** to see leagues covering all selected features alongside those missing at least one.
Read the selected-feature results rather than relying on the overall league rating. **Detailed view** and **Excellent only** are unavailable in Comparison mode.
## 6. Export coverage as CSV
Use CSV exports to review leagues and data-feature coverage in a spreadsheet or share your requirements with your team.
* **League coverage:** return to the coverage overview and select **CSV export**.
* **Data-feature coverage:** open a league and select **CSV export** in **Summary**. This option exports every attribute for that league.
Open the downloaded file in your spreadsheet application to compare the coverage you need. Coverage Finder refreshes daily; export again when you need an updated reference.
## 7. Find the league ID and make a request
1. Open **API > Playground > ID Finder > Leagues**.
2. Search by league name or country and copy the correct league ID. England's Premier League has ID **8**.
3. Check your league access using [GET My Leagues](https://docs.sportmonks.com/v3/core-api/my-sportmonks/get-my-leagues) and any required add-ons separately.
4. If your subscription includes this league, replace `YOUR_API_TOKEN` and run:
```bash
curl --request GET \
--url 'https://api.sportmonks.com/v3/football/leagues/8' \
--header 'Authorization: YOUR_API_TOKEN'
```
[GET League by ID](https://docs.sportmonks.com/v3/endpoints-and-entities/endpoints/leagues/get-league-by-id) returns league information. Replace `8` with another league ID to request that league. To retrieve fixtures or other data, use the corresponding endpoint and required includes.
## FAQ
**What if I cannot find my league?** Clear filters, try a shorter name or browse its country in Globe view. Contact support if it is still missing.
**What if a field is unavailable?** Compare other leagues or confirm your requirements with support before depending on that field.
**How often does coverage update?** Coverage Finder refreshes daily.
**Does coverage mean I can access the data?** Finder shows global coverage. Your subscription's leagues and add-ons determine your API access.
## See also
* [How to use the ID finder and API tester](https://docs.sportmonks.com/v3/tutorials-and-guides/guides/how-to-use-the-id-finder-and-api-tester)
* [Data features per league](https://docs.sportmonks.com/v3/tutorials-and-guides/tutorials/data-features-per-league)
* [Authentication](https://docs.sportmonks.com/v3/welcome/authentication)
* [Plans and pricing](https://www.sportmonks.com/football-api/plans-pricing/)
---
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