When does Premier League season start? 2026 opening weekend schedule

With the 2026 World Cup now complete, it’s barely a month until the English Premier League kicks off its 2026-27 season.

Arsenal is the defending champion for the first time in 22 years and plays in the league’s opening match on Friday, Aug. 21 against newly-promoted Coventry City. The other 18 teams start their seasons through that weekend, with Chelsea and Fulham wrapping up Match Week 1 on Monday, Aug. 24.

Manchester City star Erling Haaland became a global sensation this summer and will try to lead his team back to the top after a two-year title “drought.” But Arsenal will be a favorite to repeat, with Liverpool and perhaps even Manchester United also expected to contend for the title.

Here’s what to know about the start of the new Premier League season:

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Brighton’s Danny Welbeck celebrates scoring his team’s opener against Liverpool on March 21, 2026.

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Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool reacts during the Premier League match against Brighton on March 21, 2026.

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Harry Maguire of Manchester United celebrates his side’s second goal against AFC Bournemouth on March 21, 2026.

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James Milner celebrates Brighton’s win against Brentford on Feb. 21, 2026.

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West Ham United’s Valentin Castellanos shoots against Chelsea on Jan. 31, 2026.
Chelsea won the match, 3-2.

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Manchester United’s Patrick Dorgu celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s second goal in a 2-0 win over Manchester City at Old Trafford on Jan. 17.

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Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal against Nottingham Forest on Dec. 27.

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Manchester United’s Patrick Dorgu celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Newcastle on Dec. 26.

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Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch celebrates scoring his team’s second goal in a 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Anfield on Nov. 1. The victory ended a four-game losing streak in Premier League games for the defending champions.

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Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri (right) and Burnley’s Florentino Luis battle for possession of the ball at Turf Moor. Arsenal won the Nov. 1 match, 2-0, to stay six points above Manchester City atop the Premier League table.

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Erling Haaland of Manchester City competes for a header whilst under pressure from Sepp van den Berg and Kristoffer Ajer of Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium on Oct. 5, 2025. Man City won the match, 1-0.

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