The Premier League has announced its 2026/27 season will start on August 22, 2026 - one week later than usual - marking the latest-ever campaign start in the league's history. The decision prioritizes player welfare amid an increasingly congested global football calendar and the expanded FIFA World Cup 26.
The delayed start provides players with 89 clear days of recovery from the end of the current season and 33 days from the World Cup 26 Final. The season will conclude on May 30, 2027, one week before the UEFA Champions League Final on June 5, 2027.
«With an increasingly congested global football calendar, player welfare remains a priority for the Premier League,» the league stated. «As a result, the Premier League will start one week later next season.»
Season Structure and Christmas Relief
The 2026/27 campaign will consist of 33 weekends and five midweek match rounds. The Premier League schedule will avoid clashes with UEFA club competition dates wherever possible.
The league confirmed a significant change for the festive period. «Over the Christmas and New Year period, no two match rounds will take place within 60 hours,» the statement said. This fulfills commitments made to clubs to address the congested Christmas schedule within the expanded international calendar.
Boxing Day 2026 falls on a Saturday, allowing a more normal festive match schedule than some previous years.
Player Welfare Concerns
The scheduling adjustment comes amid growing unrest among players over fixture congestion. Last season, Manchester City star Rodri suggested players might consider strike action if authorities failed to address the issue.
«I think we are close to that,» Rodri said at the time. «If you ask any player, they will say the same. It's the general opinion of the players.»
He added: «If it keeps [going] this way, there will be a moment where we have no other option, but let's see. It's something that worries us because we are the ones who suffer.»
The expanded 48-team World Cup, hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States in 2026, contributes significantly to the calendar congestion that prompted the Premier League's decision.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
