Football fans around the world are preparing for another season of English top-flight football as the 2026/27 Premier League season approaches. The new campaign promises a full schedule of matches, major rivalries, new faces and another battle for the Premier League title. However, the Premier League has confirmed all 380 fixtures for the new season. However, supporters should remember that individual dates and kick-off times can change due to television selections, European competitions, and domestic cup commitments.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How many teams are in the Premier League?

There are 20 clubs in the Premier League.

What is the first Premier League match of 2026?

The opening match is Arsenal vs Coventry City at 20:00 BST on Friday, 21 August 2026. 

When does the Premier League 2026 season end?

The final round of matches is scheduled for Sunday, 30 May 2027, with all matches kicking off simultaneously.

When Does the 2026 Premier League Season Start?

The 2026 Premier League season starts on Friday, 21 August 2026. Arsenal will host Coventry City in the opening match at 20:00 BST. The fixture has extra significance because Arsenal enter the season as Premier League champions, while Coventry City return to the top flight as newly promoted Championship winners.  The season is starting later than a typical Premier League campaign because of the international football calendar. The Premier League explained that the later start provides players with additional recovery time following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The season will finish on 30 May 2027, with every match in the final round scheduled to kick off at the same time.

Why Is the Premier League Starting Later in 2026?

The 2026/27 Premier League campaign has been adjusted because of the expanded international football calendar. The 2026 FIFA World Cup featured 48 teams and concluded on 19 July 2026. Starting the Premier League on 21 August gives players more time to recover and prepare for the new domestic season. According to the Premier League, the 2026/27 campaign will contain 33 weekends and five midweek match rounds. The fixture calendar has also been designed to reduce clashes with UEFA club competitions where possible. 

What Is the First Match of the 2026/27 Premier League Season?

The first fixture of the new campaign is:

Arsenal vs Coventry City

Date: Friday, 21 August 2026

Time: 20:00

BST Venue: Emirates Stadium

The match brings together the reigning Premier League champions and the newly promoted Coventry City. The opening weekend continues on Saturday, 22 August, with Hull City hosting Manchester United, Everton facing Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town taking on Sunderland and Nottingham Forest playing Leeds United. Brentford then host Tottenham Hotspur at 17:30. Additionally, on Sunday, Brighton & Hove Albion play Aston Villa, Manchester City face AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle United meet Liverpool. The opening round concludes on Monday, 24 August, when Fulham host Chelsea. 

Premier League 2026/27 Opening Weekend 

Friday 21 August

20:00 Arsenal vs Coventry City

Saturday 22 August

12:30 Hull City vs Manchester United

15:00 Everton vs Crystal Palace

15:00 Ipswich Town vs Sunderland

15:00 Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United

Saturday 22 August

17:30 Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur

Sunday 23 August

14:00 Brighton vs Aston Villa

14:00 Manchester City vs AFC Bournemouth

16:30 Newcastle United vs Liverpool

Monday 24 August

20:00 Fulham vs Chelsea

Some of the Biggest Premier League Fixtures to Watch

The new season contains several major fixtures that are likely to attract worldwide attention.

Arsenal vs Manchester City

Arsenal and Manchester City are among the clubs expected to be closely watched throughout the season. Their first scheduled league meeting is Arsenal vs Manchester City on Saturday, 28 November 2026. The reverse fixture is scheduled for Manchester City vs Arsenal on Saturday, 30 January 2027.

Liverpool vs Manchester United

One of English football's biggest rivalries returns in the new campaign. The first scheduled meeting is Liverpool vs Manchester United on Saturday, 21 November 2026. The return fixture is scheduled for Manchester United vs Liverpool on Saturday, 23 January 2027. 

Manchester City vs Manchester United

The Manchester derby is another fixture supporters will be watching closely. Manchester United are scheduled to host Manchester City on Sunday, 13 September 2026. The return meeting at Manchester City's home ground is scheduled for Saturday, 20 March 2027. 

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur

The North London derby will also feature prominently during the season. Arsenal are scheduled to host Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, 1 May 2027. 

Can Premier League Fixtures Change?

Yes. The published fixture list should be treated as the official schedule at the time of release, but individual matches can be moved.

Changes can happen because of:

1. Live television selections

2. UEFA Champions League matches

3. UEFA Europa League matches

4. UEFA Conference League matches

5. FA Cup fixtures

6. EFL Cup fixtures

7. European competition progression

8. Other scheduling requirements

The Premier League has already announced amendments to some August and September fixtures, demonstrating why supporters should check the latest schedule before travelling to a match. 

Wind Up 

The Premier League 2026/27 season is set to begin with an intriguing meeting between Arsenal and Coventry City before a full campaign of 380 matches unfolds across England. With Arsenal beginning their title defence, newly promoted clubs returning to the top flight and traditional rivalries involving Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal, there will be plenty for football supporters to follow. For fans planning their football calendars, the 2026/27 Premier League fixture list provides the starting point for tracking match dates, title battles, European qualification, relegation fights and the race for the Golden Boot.