The SPFL have announced the 2026/2027 fixtures as Celtic gear up to retain their Premiership title.
It’s as though the season has just ended, and already attention turns to what comes next.
The last campaign ended in the most dramatic of fashions, which will live long in the memory of Celtic supporters.
Though the makeup of his backroom team remains unclear. Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham have still not reached an agreement to remain in their roles from last season, while Gavin Strachan has held talks with West Bromwich Albion.
A busy summer is ahead, both in the dugout and on the pitch. The board have already stated they are ready to back O’Neill in the transfer market, meaning supporters will be expecting their actions to match their words.
The club released an official statement confirming that their opening match would take place on Monday, August 3, with a 7.30pm kick-off time agreed. They stressed their disappointment at the news that is ‘outwith their control’.
Amid the madness, the SPFL have now released the official fixtures for the new season. Here are some key dates for your diaries.
Opening Fixture (Flag Day) vs Dundee
Date: Monday, August 3
Kick-off time: 7.30pm
Venue: Celtic Park
TV: Live on Sky Sports
Flag day allows supporters to celebrate the achievements of the season prior, but this campaign will look slightly different.
Due to the Commonwealth Games concluding at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome just across the road, and a Calvin Harris gig taking place at Hampden on Saturday, August 1, Celtic’s opening fixture will take place on a Monday night due to a stretch in Police resources.
The club hit back at the news, but say that due to Police Scotland, there is no choice but for this to be the date.
They will host former Celtic midfielder Stephen Pressley’s Dundee on the Monday night, which is a Scottish Summer Bank Holiday.
The Glasgow Derbies
This season will see Martin O’Neill and the Hoops come up against their city rivals, who have a new manager in charge: Derek McInnes.
Supporters always look out for these fixtures early on, and it’s been confirmed that Celtic will host Rangers in the first derby on Sunday, September 20, with kick-off at 12pm.
Their next league meeting will be just after the New Year, which is the typical slot.
The Hoops travel to Ibrox on Saturday, January 2, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm, although subject to change.
Then, in the final derby before the split, Celtic once again play host on Sunday, February 27, initially scheduled for 3pm, though is likely to change, in what could potentially be a defining showdown. Of course, that depends on how the season has fared up until then.
The three derbies will be shown live on Sky Sports.
Fixtures Around Champions League Qualifiers
The Hoops face a crucial qualifier to gain entry into the league phase of Europe’s most prestigious club competition.
A disaster like Kairat Almaty must be avoided, which is where recruitment simply cannot falter this summer.
The play-off round first leg will be played on August 18 or 19, with the return tie to be played one week later, on August 25 or 26.
The draw for the play-off round takes place on August 3, 2026.
As things currently stand, Celtic’s projected play-off opponents include: AGF; Omonia Nicosia; Mjällby AIF; Viking FK; LASK
However, several other opponents are possible, depending on how the earlier qualifying rounds unfold: Kairat Almaty; ŠK Slovan Bratislava; Lech Poznań; AEK Athens, or NK Celje.
Should Celtic progress in their two-legged playoff, they will go into the hat for the League phase draw on August 27.
That means Celtic’s fixtures against St Johnstone (away) on August 22, and Falkirk (home) on August 29 will be of particular interest to supporters.
Travel and squad health are always key going into these qualifiers. Now, the club know that they will face a trip to St Johnstone before their first European fixture, so it will be interesting to see how O’Neill balances domestic duty with such a crucial European match.
Once they conclude their qualifiers and know whether it’s Champions League or Europa League football they will be participating in, they will then host Falkirk days later.
Hopefully, squad morale is high after overcoming their European opponents and ensuring it’s Europe’s top club contest.
Final Words
The fixture diaries can be marked as the Celts gear up for another season of madness.
A Monday night game against Dundee will kick the champions’ campaign off, bringing a new feel to what is typically a Saturday or Sunday afternoon affair.
Plenty of work is to be done before flag day. The playing squad needs to be overhauled, O’Neill’s backroom team needs to be resolved, and the club are yet to appoint a permanent director.
We know who our opponents are for the season ahead, up until the split, but supporters await confirmation within the club about essential work that needs to be done before a ball is even kicked.
You can read the full fixture list here.
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