The wait is over.
The SPFL Premiership fixture list for the 2026/27 season has been released, giving fans their first look at the road ahead.
And while both Celtic and Rangers will believe they can challenge for the title, their starts to the campaign could hardly be more different.
One club has landed the glamour opener. The other has been left frustrated.
Different Starts, Different Reactions
Rangers will kick off the new Premiership season away to Dundee United on Friday 31 July in the league’s opening fixture.
The match will be the first competitive game of Derek McInnes’ reign and gives Rangers a prime-time Friday night spotlight all to themselves.
Celtic, meanwhile, must wait until Monday 3 August before beginning their title defence at home to Dundee.
The Hoops had reportedly pushed for the match to be moved but were unsuccessful, meaning their traditional flag day celebrations will take place under the Monday night lights.
While Rangers get the headline fixture, Celtic have been left less than impressed by the scheduling.
The Opening Six Games
Celtic’s opening fixtures:
• Dundee (H) • Kilmarnock (A) • St Johnstone (H) • Dundee United (A) • Hibernian (H) • Rangers (H)
Rangers’ opening fixtures:
• Dundee United (A) • Falkirk (H) • Motherwell (A) • Hearts (H) • St Mirren (A) • Celtic (A)
Both clubs face challenging starts, but Rangers arguably have the tougher run with trips to Dundee United, Motherwell, St Mirren and Celtic all arriving within the first six matches.
The Key Dates
The first Old Firm clash of the season is scheduled for Sunday 20 September at Celtic Park.
The second meeting will take place at Ibrox on Saturday 2 January 2027 in a huge New Year showdown.
Perhaps most intriguingly, Celtic and Rangers could meet on the final day of the season, with the fixture list setting up a potentially dramatic conclusion to the campaign.
Other standout dates include Celtic’s meeting with Hearts on 17 October and Derek McInnes’ return to Tynecastle with Rangers on 28 October.
A Historic Season
Because of the World Cup, the Premiership season will start later than usual.
The campaign begins on 31 July and concludes on 25 May 2027, when all six Premiership fixtures will kick off simultaneously.
Newly promoted Falkirk also return to the top flight and will be hoping to make an immediate impact.
The Bottom Line
Rangers get the spotlight. Celtic get the frustration.
The fixtures are finally out, and both Glasgow giants now know exactly what stands between them and the Premiership title.
The countdown to the 2026/27 season starts now.
