Premier League 2025/26 fixtures are out! Liverpool open against Bournemouth on August 15, while Manchester United host Arsenal on opening weekend. The season concludes on May 24, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Key matchups, new stadiums, and promoted teams promise a thrilling football year.
The much-anticipated fixture list for the 2025/26 Premier League season has been officially released, and it promises a thrilling start. Champions Liverpool will begin their title defence by hosting AFC Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday, August 15, marking the opening game of the new campaign.
The Premier League announced on Wednesday that the full slate of 380 fixtures for the 20 participating clubs has been finalized. Each team will, as always, face every other team twice — once at home and once away — across the season that spans 33 weekends and five midweek rounds. The schedule is carefully designed to allow 83 days of rest following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, ensuring players are adequately recovered.
This season will conclude on May 24, 2026, ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup call-up period, avoiding any scheduling conflicts with the global tournament.
The opening weekend features several headline-grabbing matchups. On Sunday, August 17, Manchester United will host Arsenal at Old Trafford — a fixture steeped in Premier League history. Arsenal, who have finished as runners-up for three consecutive seasons, will be eager to launch their campaign on a high as they attempt to end a 22-year wait for the league title. However, history is not on their side at Old Trafford; they have won there just twice in the last 18 years in league play.
Liverpool’s opening schedule is particularly demanding. After facing Bournemouth — a team they have historically dominated — the Reds will travel to Newcastle United in Matchweek 2, then return to Anfield to face Arsenal. The following weeks bring a Merseyside derby against Everton at home and a tough away fixture against Chelsea, making it a high-stakes opening two months for Jürgen Klopp’s men.
Having seen their four-year streak of titles snapped by Liverpool last season, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City face a tricky opening game against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux. City will be under pressure to reclaim their dominance but must do so from a tough away setting.
The opening round also includes several exciting matchups between top-performing teams from last season:
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Aston Villa vs Newcastle United: Villa Park hosts this clash on August 16, kicking off the Saturday fixtures.
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Brighton vs Fulham: Two mid-table teams from last season will clash in a potentially entertaining encounter.
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Nottingham Forest vs Brentford: Brentford begin their post-Thomas Frank era with an away fixture.
Newly promoted Sunderland, returning to the Premier League for the first time since 2016-17, will host West Ham United at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland fans will be keen to see how their team adapts back in the top flight.
The other two promoted sides have intriguing starts as well:
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Leeds United, back in the Premier League after a brief absence, will host Everton at Elland Road on August 18, a Monday night game under the lights.
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Everton, in turn, will mark their first game at their brand-new Hill Dickinson Stadium in Matchweek 2, when they face Brighton & Hove Albion.
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The 2025/26 Premier League season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. With Arsenal desperate to finally clinch the title, Liverpool looking to retain their crown, and Manchester City seeking redemption, the top of the table battle promises fireworks from day one.
Meanwhile, newly promoted sides will hope to avoid the drop and establish themselves among England’s elite. Fans can expect compelling storylines, intense rivalries, and world-class football every week until the final whistle in May 2026.
