Premier League to Stage a Boxing Day Bonanza of Seven Matches

By the Editorial Team · Friday, September 11, 2026

The Premier League will host seven matches on Boxing Day this year, a substantial increase from last season's single fixture, with games scheduled throughout the afternoon and evening. This expanded lineup, arranged with input from clubs and fan groups, aims to enhance fan experience while maintaining player welfare by guaranteeing at least 60 hours of rest between matches during the congested festive schedule.

The Premier League is set to feature seven matches on Boxing Day this year, marking a significant increase from last season’s schedule when only one fixture was held on December 26. With Boxing Day falling on a Saturday, the league has arranged four games to kick off at 3 p.m.: Everton versus Sunderland, Fulham against Brighton, Ipswich meeting Brentford, and Tottenham hosting Bournemouth.

The day’s fixtures also include a 12:30 p.m. match between Aston Villa and Leeds United, while Hull City will face Liverpool at 5:30 p.m. Manchester City supporters are faced with a late 8 p.m. kickoff as the team travels to Newcastle United. Several of these games will be televised.

Following the Boxing Day lineup, three additional matches are scheduled for Sunday, December 27. Coventry City will play Chelsea at 2 p.m., Manchester United will host Nottingham Forest at 4:30 p.m., and Crystal Palace will take on Arsenal at 7 p.m. This stretch of fixtures initiates a busy festive period, with three more rounds of matches planned through January 7.

The Premier League confirmed the schedule after responding to pressure from clubs to announce the fixtures earlier than the previous year when the announcement was not made until October 31. Last season’s late decision led to criticism, especially after it was revealed that only one match would take place on Boxing Day. Manchester United was among the clubs advocating for an earlier release of the schedule to reduce disruption and give fans ample time to arrange travel and attendance.

Discussions leading to the scheduling involved not only clubs but also the Football Supporters’ Association and Fan Advisory Boards, emphasizing a collaborative approach to the festive fixture planning. To address concerns about the typically congested festive timetable—exacerbated by recent expansions in European and international competitions—the Premier League has committed to ensuring a minimum 60-hour rest period between matches for each club during this period.

This move aims to balance the demands of a packed schedule with player welfare and fan convenience as the league navigates its most intensive period of the season.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.