When does Premier League season start? 2026 opening weekend schedule

[ASFN Admin]

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:

Premier League schedule 2026​

Friday, Aug. 21

• Arsenal vs. Coventry City,

Saturday, Aug. 22

• Hull City vs. Manchester United
• Everton vs. Crystal Palace
• Ipswich vs. Sunderland
• Nottingham Forest vs. Leeds United
• Brentford vs. Tottenam

Sunday, Aug. 23

• Brighton & Hove vs. Aston Villa
• Manchester City vs. Bournemouth
• Newcastle vs. Liverpool

Monday, Aug. 24

• Fulham vs Chelsea

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When does Premier League season start? 2026 opening weekend schedule

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