Newly promoted Coventry City will travel to Emirates Stadium to face champions Arsenal in the opening fixture of the 2026-27 Premier League season on Friday, 21 August — marking the Sky Blues' return to the top flight for the first time in 25 years.

Arsenal, whom Mikel Arteta guided to their first Premier League title since 2004, host the curtain-raiser at 20:00 BST. The game represents a dramatic homecoming to England's top division for Coventry City, who were absent since 2001.

Opening weekend in full

The following day, Saturday, 22 August, sees Hull City — promoted via the play-offs — host Manchester United at 12:30 BST. Fellow promoted side Ipswich entertain Sunderland at 15:00, while Everton face Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest take on Leeds at the same time.

Sunday, 23 August brings two more marquee clashes. Manchester City begin life without Pep Guardiola when they host Bournemouth — who also open a new chapter under manager Marco Rose — at 14:00 BST. Liverpool, meanwhile, make their first appearance under Andoni Iraola — who replaced the sacked Arne Slot after leaving Bournemouth — away at Newcastle on the same afternoon. Brighton face Aston Villa at 14:00 as well.

Chelsea, under new head coach Xabi Alonso, travel to Fulham on Monday, 24 August, with the Cottagers themselves yet to confirm a permanent successor to Marco Silva.

Season structure and key dates

The 2026-27 campaign kicks off 34 days after the World Cup final in the United States and concludes on Sunday, 30 May 2027. The Champions League final follows six days later. Both dates fall later than in a typical season because of the World Cup.

The season will feature 33 rounds of weekend fixtures, with five additional rounds taking place midweek. The Premier League has said it will seek to