The English Football League (EFL) has unveiled the schedule for the 2025-26 season, highlighting significant matchups and the return of notable clubs to new divisions. Wrexham`s highly anticipated first season back in the second tier after 43 years will commence on Saturday, August 9, with an away trip to recently relegated Southampton. Birmingham City, part-owned by NFL legend Tom Brady, will open the Championship season at home against Ipswich Town on Friday, August 8. Both promoted sides face challenging initial fixtures. Meanwhile, relegated Premier League club Leicester City is set to start their campaign on Sunday, August 10, hosting Sheffield Wednesday.
The Championship season begins a week after League One gets underway. The opening fixture in the third tier is scheduled for Friday, August 1, featuring relegated Luton Town taking on promoted AFC Wimbledon at Kenilworth Road. In League Two, a key fixture could be the return of Barnet to the Football League; they are set to host Fleetwood Town on Saturday, August 2.
Attention is expected to focus on the Championship the following week, particularly on Wrexham, who have gained global prominence since their acquisition by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. In August 2022, the Welsh club started their National League season away at Eastleigh in Hampshire; now, they face a considerably more significant away match against Southampton, a club considered among the favorites for automatic promotion by bookmakers.
Ipswich Town and Birmingham City are also highly regarded in the promotion odds. Birmingham, boosted by Tom Brady`s involvement, achieved promotion from League One in impressive fashion last season, securing a record 111 points. The presence of figures like Brady, Reynolds, and McElhenney added significant star power to the third tier and the “Hollywood derbies” between Birmingham and Wrexham are expected to be keenly followed this season. Birmingham is scheduled to host Wrexham at St. Andrew`s on October 4, with the reverse fixture in Wales set for April 11.
Five EFL Fixtures to Watch
1. Luton Town vs. AFC Wimbledon — August 1
This match kicks off the new League One season. Just two years ago, Luton was preparing for the Premier League; now they must adapt to life in the third division. While they might be promotion contenders, success in League One is known to be hard-fought. For promoted Wimbledon, the goal is survival, and starting with a positive result against a big name would be ideal.
2. Leicester City vs. Sheffield Wednesday — August 10
All eyes will be on Leicester City and manager Ruud van Nistelrooy as they begin their season following relegation. Despite speculation about his future, Van Nistelrooy remains in charge as the club enters a post-Jamie Vardy era, potentially facing a points deduction for financial issues. This opening game against Sheffield Wednesday could indicate the challenges ahead for the former Premier League champions.
3. Southampton vs. Portsmouth — September 13
One of English football`s most intense rivalries, the South Coast Derby, is back after nearly six years. While the last meeting was a cup tie between teams from different leagues, this time Southampton and Portsmouth face off as Championship equals for the first time since the 2011-12 season. Expect a fiery and competitive encounter.
4. Ipswich Town vs. Norwich City — October 4
The Old Farm derby is another classic rivalry and a regular fixture. This season, the outcome could be particularly significant. Ipswich is aiming for back-to-back promotions, while Norwich, under Liam Manning, will be looking to challenge at the top of the table. This match goes beyond local bragging rights, potentially impacting the promotion race.
5. Wrexham vs. Middlesbrough — May 2
Predicting the final day of the Championship season is always difficult, but it`s consistently packed with drama as teams battle for automatic promotion, playoff spots, and survival. Wrexham`s home tie against Middlesbrough on the last day could prove crucial for both clubs, potentially deciding their fate in the race for the top six.
EFL Opening Day Fixtures (Dates Only)
Championship
Friday, Aug. 8
- Birmingham City vs. Ipswich Town
Saturday, Aug. 9
- Charlton Athletic vs. Watford
- Coventry City vs. Hull City
- Southampton vs. Wrexham
- Middlesbrough vs. Swansea City
- Norwich City vs. Millwall
- Oxford United vs. Portsmouth
- Queens Park Rangers vs. Preston North End
- Stoke City vs. Derby County
- West Bromwich Albion vs. Blackburn Rovers
- Sheffield United vs. Bristol City
Sunday, Aug. 10
- Leicester City vs. Sheffield Wednesday
League One
Friday, Aug. 1
- Luton Town vs. AFC Wimbledon
Saturday, Aug. 2
- Cardiff City vs. Peterborough
- Blackpool vs. Stevenage
- Bradford City vs. Wycombe Wanderers
- Burton Albion vs. Mansfield Town
- Doncaster Rovers vs. Exeter City
- Huddersfield Town vs. Leyton Orient
- Lincoln City vs. Reading
- Plymouth Argyle vs. Barnsley
- Rotherham United vs. Port Vale
- Wigan Athletic vs. Northampton Town
Sunday, Aug. 3
- Stockport County vs. Bolton Wanderers
League Two
Saturday, Aug. 2
- Accrington Stanley vs. Gillingham
- Barnet vs. Fleetwood Town
- Bristol Rovers vs. Harrogate Town
- Cambridge United vs. Cheltenham Town
- Chesterfield vs. Barrow
- Colchester United vs. Tranmere Rovers
- Grimsby Town vs. Crawley Town
- MK Dons vs. Oldham Athletic
- Newport County vs. Notts County
- Salford City vs. Crewe Alexandra
- Shrewsbury Town vs. Bromley
- Walsall vs. Swindon Town
Adrian Whitmore