The EFL fixture list for the 2025-26 season was released on Thursday, with Wolves set to host Blackburn Rovers at Molineux in the Championship opener on Friday, 14 August, at 8pm. This marks Wolves' first Championship fixture since 2018, under new head coach César Peixoto. Blackburn will be managed by Tony Mowbray, returning for a second spell.
West Ham vs Burnley Highlights Opening Weekend
West Ham, without a manager, will face Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday, 16 August, at 4pm. West Ham start a season outside the top flight for the first time in 14 years, while Burnley return to the second tier for the third time since 2023. The London Stadium will host Championship football for the first time on 22 August when West Ham face Charlton Athletic.
Middlesbrough and Lincoln City Feature
Middlesbrough, beaten playoff finalists, begin at the Riverside against Lincoln City, who are back in the second tier after 65 years. Eight Saturday games include a Lancashire derby between Bolton and Preston (12:30pm) and Sheffield United vs Birmingham City (5:30pm).
Sunday and Monday Matches
Southampton, amid a spying scandal from last season's playoff, face Watford at Vicarage Road on Sunday (1:30pm). Millwall travel to Bristol City, and Norwich host West Brom. Promoted Cardiff host Wrexham in a Monday night derby (8pm) to close the Championship's opening weekend.
League One and Two Fixtures
All League One and Two matches take place on Saturday, 15 August. Leicester, League One champions 10 years after Premier League glory, start at Notts County (12:30pm). Sheffield Wednesday play first match under new owner Arise Capital Partners at Leyton Orient. Bromley begin their first third-tier season at Barnsley. In League Two, York City return to the Football League after a decade, hosting Bristol Rovers. Relegated Rotherham play at Cheltenham, their first fourth-tier game since 2013.
