So if you're looking for when the new season of the Premier League will begin here's the easy answer, and all things you need to know about the opening weekend.
When does the Premier League 2026/27 season start?
The Premier League 2026/27 season kicks off on Friday 21 August 2026. The first game will centre on the Emirates Stadium between defending champions Arsenal and newly promoted Coventry City, with the game kicking off at 8:00pm BST.
What is the reason for the late onset of the season?
This season starts about a week later than normal. This is because of the FIFA World Cup 2026 that took place during the summer and ended on 19 July 2026. The Premier League had to postpone its opening to allow players to recover from the World Cup, with 89 clear days between the end of last season and the first match of this one – and 33 days since the World Cup final.
What will the opening weekend be like?
It's not just one game that kicks off the season. Matchweek 1 is split into three days for all activities:
Friday 21 August
- Arsenal vs Coventry City, 8:00pm
Saturday 22 August
- Hull City vs Manchester United
- Everton vs Crystal Palace
- Ipswich Town vs Sunderland
- Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United
- Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur
Sunday 23 August
- Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion.
- Manchester City vs AFC Bournemouth
- Newcastle United vs Liverpool
What's the most significant news from the opening weekend?
The results are not the only things to watch. Arsenal are looking to become the first club in some time to win back-to-back Premier League titles. After changing head coach last season, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool are all getting their first real chance to see what life is like under their new coaches with their opening games of the season. Coventry also got back to the top flight for the first time in 25 years, so their visit to Arsenal is a special one for their supporters.
When is the end of the season?
As has always been the case, the final round of the 2026/27 season finishes on Sunday 30 May 2027 with all competitions starting simultaneously at the same time. That's a week before the 2027 Champions League final.
FAQs
What time does the Premier League season start? The opening match, Arsenal vs Coventry City, kicks off at 8:00pm BST on Friday 21 August 2026.
Why does the season start later this year? The start date was pushed back by about a week because of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, giving players extra recovery time before the new season begins.
Who do Manchester City and Liverpool play in their opening games? Manchester City host AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool travel to Newcastle United, both on Sunday 23 August.
Is there a winter break this season? No. Like last season, there is no dedicated winter break, though a short gap in fixtures in early January is expected to be filled by FA Cup third round matches.
