When does the 2026/27 Premier League season start?
See the start date, every opening-round fixture, and the key calendar dates for the 2026/27 Premier League season.
The season starts Friday, August 21
The confirmed opening match is Arsenal against Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on Friday, August 21, at 8:00 p.m. BST. Although the league's initial season calendar identified Saturday, August 22, as the opening-round date, the detailed fixture schedule moved this match to Friday night.
The other nine matches take place from Saturday through Monday. The times below are UK times, and the Premier League warns that fixtures remain subject to change.
Every opening-round fixture
These are the opening fixtures published by the Premier League. For one useful conversion, 8:00 p.m. BST is 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time in the United States during August.
- Friday, August 21, 8:00 p.m. BST: Arsenal vs Coventry City
- Saturday, August 22, 12:30 p.m.: Hull City vs Manchester United
- Saturday, August 22, 3:00 p.m.: Everton vs Crystal Palace
- Saturday, August 22, 3:00 p.m.: Ipswich Town vs Sunderland
- Saturday, August 22, 3:00 p.m.: Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United
- Saturday, August 22, 5:30 p.m.: Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur
- Sunday, August 23, 2:00 p.m.: Brighton & Hove Albion vs Aston Villa
- Sunday, August 23, 2:00 p.m.: Manchester City vs Bournemouth
- Sunday, August 23, 4:30 p.m.: Newcastle United vs Liverpool
- Monday, August 24, 8:00 p.m.: Fulham vs Chelsea
Why the league starts one week later
The Premier League says the season begins one week later than the previous campaign to provide more recovery time after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Opening night falls 33 days after the World Cup Final.
The schedule uses 33 weekends and five midweek match rounds. It also avoids placing two rounds within 60 hours of each other during the Christmas and New Year period.
When the season ends and how many matches there are
The final matchweek is Sunday, May 30, 2027. As usual, all ten matches on the final day are scheduled to begin at the same time.
Twenty clubs each play 38 league matches—home and away against every other club—for 380 fixtures across the season.
Why fixtures can still move
The league states that every fixture is subject to change. Broadcast selections, domestic cup ties, European competition, and local operational needs can move a match to a different date or time.
Check the official match page and Premier League digital calendar before booking travel. For viewing, use the league's official 'Where to Watch' information to find the licensed broadcaster in your region.
Frequently asked questions
What date does the 2026/27 Premier League start?
The season begins Friday, August 21, 2026, with Arsenal vs Coventry City at 8:00 p.m. BST.
When is Manchester United's first match?
Manchester United are scheduled to visit Hull City on Saturday, August 22, at 12:30 p.m. BST.
When does the 2026/27 Premier League end?
The final matchweek is scheduled for Sunday, May 30, 2027.
Can Premier League fixture dates change?
Yes. Dates and kickoff times can change because of broadcast selections, cup competitions, European matches, and operational needs.
Sources
Primary and official references used for this guide:
Published August 5, 2026 · Reviewed for clarity and source accuracy.