Championship 2025/26 fixtures, dates, how to watch & more
It's only been over a month since Sunderland stunned Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final to end their eight-year exile from the Premier League.
The Blades were looking for a swift return to the top flight after a dismal 2023/24 campaign. But they ultimately fell short at the final hurdle, losing 2-1 despite drawing first blood.
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They'll be hoping they're second-time lucky, and a fast start to the season could set the tone for a successful campaign.
Luckily for Chris Wilder's side, they'll kick off the Championship campaign with a rematch against Bristol City, having faced The Robins in last season's play-off semi-finals.
United wiped the floor with Liam Manning's side, winning 6-0 on aggregate to advance to the final and will be looking to repeat that feat despite Bristol's managerial change.
United's game against Bristol is one of many in a bumper opening weekend fixture schedule.
Relegated Ipswich Town will get the ball rolling on Friday, August 8, with a trip to St. Andrew's, where they will face Championship newcomers Birmingham City.
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The Blues won the League One title with an EFL record 111 points, while Kieran McKenna's Tractor Boys were relegated from the Premier League in their first top-flight campaign in over two decades.
Southampton, who were relegated from the Premier League alongside Ipswich, will kick off Saturday's round of action at home to League One runners-up Wrexham.
Leicester City aren't in action until Sunday, August 10, when they welcome Sheffield Wednesday to the King Power Stadium.
As the new season draws closer, all eyes will be on Leicester, Ipswich, and Southampton, who will be determined to bounce straight back to the Premier League.
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Leicester pulled it off in 2023/24 when they steamrolled their way to the top flight with an impressive 97 points, while Southampton joined them after a dramatic play-off final win against Leeds United.
But the spotlight won't just be on the relegated trio. Wrexham will also be a major talking point.
Backed by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the Red Dragons have enjoyed a Hollywood-inspired rise to the English second tier and will fancy their chances of making it four promotions in a row this season.
Their curtain-raiser against Southampton will be a strong test of their Championship credentials, but they'll still have to navigate upcoming fixtures against West Bromwich Albion, Wednesday, and Millwall.
First round of Championship fixtures
Friday, August 8
Birmingham City v Ipswich Town
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Saturday, August 9
Charlton Athletic v Watford
Coventry City v Hull City
Middlesbrough v Swansea City
Norwich City v Millwall
Oxford United v Portsmouth
Queens Park Rangers v Preston North End
Sheffield United v Bristol City
Southampton v Wrexham
Stoke City v Derby County
West Bromwich Albion v Blackburn Rovers
Sunday, August 10
Leicester City v Sheffield Wednesday
How to access the full Championship fixture schedule?
The full 2025/26 Championship fixture schedule is available at the EFL Match Centre. You can also find League One and League Two fixtures there.
How to watch?
Every single EFL game across the opening weekend in the Championship, League One and League Two will be available to watch on Sky Sports and Sky Sports+ in the UK.
The latter will cover over 1,000 games from 1,891 matches across the EFL, Carabao Cup, and Vertu Trophy live throughout the season.
You can also check our Championship live streaming section for more options on how to catch all the action from the upcoming campaign.
Key EFL dates 2025/26
EFL opening weekends
League One and League Two: Friday, August 1 – Sunday, August 3
Championship: Friday, August 8 – Sunday, August 10
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Final games of the regular season
Weekend of May 2/3, 2026
Play-off finals
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