The Premier League returns later than usual in August 2026, and that extra week matters for supporters arranging travel, subscriptions and fantasy plans. After the expanded FIFA World Cup, the 2026/27 campaign opens on Friday 21 August instead of mid-month. Fans still get two complete matchweeks before August ends.
The schedule below reflects the Premier League fixtures for August 2026 and announced UK television selections as of 3 August 2026. Home teams are listed first, and all times are BST. Fixtures can still move because of broadcasting, policing or cup commitments, so travelling supporters should recheck club information before booking non-refundable transport.
Why the 2026/27 Premier League season starts later
The opening round begins 33 days after the World Cup final, giving international players more recovery time before league competition. The Premier League has also confirmed that the season will contain 33 weekends and five midweek rounds, finishing on Sunday 30 May 2027.
For fans searching the EPL fixtures August schedule, the key date is Friday 21 August. Arsenal and Coventry City launch the campaign under the lights at the Emirates Stadium, one day before the first traditional Saturday programme.
Opening weekend fixtures and PL kick-off times
Friday 21 August
Arsenal v Coventry City, 20:00, live on Sky Sports. The defending champions welcome the Championship winners in a major return to the top flight for Coventry.
Saturday 22 August
Hull City v Manchester United, 12:30, live on TNT Sports. Everton v Crystal Palace, 15:00. Ipswich Town v Sunderland, 15:00. Nottingham Forest v Leeds United, 15:00. Brentford v Tottenham Hotspur, 17:30, live on Sky Sports.
Sunday 23 August
Brighton & Hove Albion v Aston Villa, 14:00, live on Sky Sports. Manchester City v AFC Bournemouth, 14:00, live on Sky Sports. Newcastle United v Liverpool, 16:30, live on Sky Sports.
Monday 24 August
Fulham v Chelsea, 20:00, live on Sky Sports. The first round closes with a west London derby at Craven Cottage.
Matchweek 1 2026 offers varied storylines. Arsenal begin their title defence against a promoted side, Hull host Manchester United in the first Saturday television slot, and Newcastle face Liverpool in the weekend’s standout heavyweight meeting. The Monday derby gives supporters four consecutive days of live top-flight football.
What stands out from the opening weekend
The promoted clubs face very different tests. Coventry travel to the champions, Hull host one of the league’s biggest names, and Ipswich begin at home against Sunderland. Those fixtures should provide an early indication of how quickly the newcomers can adapt.
Newcastle v Liverpool is likely to attract wide neutral interest. St James’ Park regularly produces an intense atmosphere, and a 16:30 Sunday kick-off gives the match a major television window. Brentford v Tottenham is another intriguing London fixture, while Manchester City’s home meeting with Bournemouth offers an immediate tactical test.
A practical tip for travelling fans is to separate confirmed dates from permanent guarantees. A supporter attending Newcastle v Liverpool can plan around the confirmed Sunday slot, but should still check the club’s matchday page before buying restricted train tickets.
Second round of Premier League fixtures in August
Friday 28 August
Crystal Palace v Manchester City, 20:00, live on Sky Sports.
Saturday 29 August
Liverpool v Nottingham Forest, 12:30, live on TNT Sports. AFC Bournemouth v Everton, 15:00. Coventry City v Hull City, 15:00. Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United, 17:30, live on Sky Sports.
Sunday 30 August
Chelsea v Brighton & Hove Albion, 14:00, live on Sky Sports. Leeds United v Brentford, 14:00, live on Sky Sports. Sunderland v Fulham, 14:00, live on Sky Sports. Manchester United v Ipswich Town, 16:30, live on Sky Sports.
Monday 31 August
Aston Villa v Arsenal, 20:00, live on Sky Sports.
Coventry v Hull brings two promoted clubs together immediately, giving each an early opportunity to collect points. Tottenham host Newcastle in another demanding fixture, while Aston Villa v Arsenal closes the month with a Monday night meeting between two ambitious sides.
Chelsea v Brighton is scheduled for Sunday because Brighton are due to play in the UEFA Conference League play-off on the preceding Thursday. Sunderland v Fulham was also placed on Sunday following the movement of Fulham v Chelsea to Monday in the first matchweek. These changes show why supporters should rely on the amended schedule rather than the original release-day list.
Which August matches are live on UK television?
Sky Sports carries six matches in the first round: Arsenal v Coventry, Brentford v Tottenham, Brighton v Aston Villa, Manchester City v Bournemouth, Newcastle v Liverpool and Fulham v Chelsea. TNT Sports shows Hull v Manchester United in the Saturday 12:30 slot.
In the second round, Sky Sports shows Crystal Palace v Manchester City, Tottenham v Newcastle, Chelsea v Brighton, Leeds v Brentford, Sunderland v Fulham, Manchester United v Ipswich and Aston Villa v Arsenal. TNT Sports shows Liverpool v Nottingham Forest.
The Saturday 15:00 closed period remains protected in the UK, so those games are not broadcast live domestically. Viewers should check official broadcaster schedules for final programme information.
How UK fans can plan for August
Add fixtures to a digital calendar rather than saving a static screenshot. The Premier League’s official calendar can update automatically when a match changes, which becomes useful once European and domestic cup schedules affect the programme.
Matchgoing supporters should compare the final whistle with rail and coach departures. A Sunday 16:30 or Monday 20:00 start can complicate the return journey. Flexible fares, club travel guidance and extra time around stadium transport can prevent an exciting fixture from becoming an expensive logistical problem.
Frequently asked questions
When does the 2026/27 Premier League season begin?
The first match is Arsenal v Coventry City at 20:00 BST on Friday 21 August 2026. The main opening-weekend programme continues from Saturday 22 August to Monday 24 August.
Why was the start pushed back?
The season begins one week later than the previous campaign to provide additional recovery time after the 2026 World Cup. The opening round starts 33 days after the World Cup final.
Are all August kick-off times confirmed?
The listed PL kick off times and UK television picks have been announced, but every fixture remains subject to change. Travelling fans should check official updates close to the date.
Where can UK fans watch the August fixtures?
Selected matches are live on Sky Sports and TNT Sports. Saturday 15:00 fixtures are not shown live in the UK because they fall within the protected broadcast window.
A later start, but an immediate rush of major games
The Premier League fixtures for August 2026 deliver a concentrated opening. Arsenal begin against Coventry, Manchester United visit Hull, Newcastle host Liverpool and Fulham meet Chelsea before the first matchweek is complete. One week later, Tottenham face Newcastle and Aston Villa host Arsenal as the month closes.
The best approach is to use the confirmed schedule as a foundation, follow official updates and avoid treating any football fixture as permanently fixed. With two matchweeks, promoted-club storylines and extensive live coverage, August offers plenty of football despite the delayed start.