Premier League Confirms Seven Boxing Day Matches for 2026

The Premier League has announced its festive schedule for 2026, with seven matches on Boxing Day, Saturday 26 December. Four games kick off at 15:00 GMT, with further fixtures at 12:30, 17:30 and 20:00. Newcastle host Manchester City in the evening, while Hull welcome Liverpool.

  • Date: Saturday, 26 December 2026
  • Matches: Seven on Boxing Day, three on Sunday 27 December
  • Kick-off times: 12:30, 15:00 (x4), 17:30, 20:00 GMT
  • Headline fixtures: Newcastle v Man City (20:00), Hull v Liverpool (17:30), Everton v Sunderland, Fulham v Brighton, Ipswich v Brentford, Spurs v AFC Bournemouth, Aston Villa v Leeds
  • New Year's Day: Leeds v Everton (20:00) – the only match
  • Guarantee: Clubs to receive at least a 60-hour break between fixtures over the festive period

The Premier League has announced it will stage seven matches on Boxing Day this year after releasing its festive schedule. Four fixtures will be staged at 15:00 GMT, with further matches played at 12:30, 17:30 and 20:00. The fixture programme for 26 December, which falls on a Saturday in 2026, is considerably bigger than last year, when one game was held.

Three matches will be played on Sunday, 27 December, while three further rounds of games will be held over a period up to Thursday, 7 January. A round of evening midweek fixtures will be staged on 29-30 December, while Leeds will host Everton (20:00) for the only match on New Year's Day.

The remainder of that round will be held over the weekend of 2-3 January, with the fourth round of games spread across the evenings of 5-7 January. The Premier League has brought forward the announcement of fixture scheduling over the Christmas and New Year period after consultation with both broadcast partners and the Football Supporters' Association and representatives from club Fan Advisory Boards.

Television scheduling for Premier League fixtures has been announced up to Monday, 2 November, with broadcast selections for the remaining games in November and December to be announced in the weeks commencing 21 September and 19 October respectively. The Premier League has guaranteed clubs at least a 60-hour break between fixtures over the festive period to address the concerns over a congested festive schedule that follows recent expansions of the European and international calendars.

Premier League Boxing Day schedule

Saturday, 26 December

Sunday, 27 December

Why the festive schedule looks like this

The decision to front-load the Boxing Day programme with seven matches is a direct response to last year's congested calendar. By spreading the fixtures across more slots within the same day, the Premier League reduces the need for short turnarounds between games. The 15:00 block is particularly busy with four fixtures running simultaneously, a throwback to traditional Boxing Day scheduling that will please fans accustomed to the old format.

The 60-hour break guarantee is a significant victory for the Football Supporters' Association and club Fan Advisory Boards, who have lobbied for player welfare protections amid the expansion of European and international competitions. Clubs involved in European fixtures will benefit most, as the guaranteed rest period should reduce the risk of fatigue-related injuries during a crucial part of the season.

From a competitive standpoint, the spread of fixtures across dates means some teams will have played an extra game before others in the same round. This can create temporary distortions in the table, but the Premier League's approach ensures every club faces a similar rhythm over the entire festive period. The evening kick-offs on 29-30 December and the New Year's Day fixture give broadcasters prime-time slots while maintaining the traditional holiday football experience.

What happens next

The remaining broadcast selections for November and December will be announced in the weeks commencing 21 September and 19 October. Clubs and supporters will then know the exact kick-off times for all matches leading up to the festive period. The Premier League's early announcement allows fans to plan travel and accommodation well in advance, addressing one of the most common complaints about modern fixture scheduling.

For the clubs involved, the focus now shifts to the current season, but the festive schedule serves as a reminder of the intense period that awaits. With the 60-hour break guaranteed, managers can plan their rotations with greater certainty, potentially reducing the excuses for poor performances during the holiday rush.

Talking points

  • Seven Boxing Day matches is a huge increase from last year's single game. Is this a genuine attempt to reward fans or simply a way to maximise broadcast revenue?
  • The 60-hour break guarantee is welcome, but does it go far enough? Some clubs will still face three games in seven days over the festive period.
  • Newcastle v Manchester City at 20:00 on Boxing Day is a marquee slot. Is the Premier League prioritising TV audiences over travelling supporters?
  • With three rounds of games spread up to 7 January, the festive period now stretches almost two weeks. Is that too much football?

Frequently asked questions

How many Premier League games are on Boxing Day 2026?

Seven matches will be played on Saturday, 26 December 2026, with four kicking off at 15:00 GMT, plus games at 12:30, 17:30 and 20:00.

What time is Newcastle vs Manchester City on Boxing Day?

Newcastle v Manchester City will kick off at 20:00 GMT on Saturday, 26 December 2026.

Are there Premier League games on New Year's Day 2026?

Yes, Leeds will host Everton at 20:00 on New Year's Day, the only Premier League match that day. The remainder of that round will be played over the weekend of 2-3 January.

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