Premier League Christmas fixtures: Seven games scheduled for Boxing Day as festive schedule is announced
The Premier League has announced its festive fixture schedule for the 2026 season, featuring seven matches on Boxing Day. The league has committed to ensuring a minimum 60-hour break between games to address player welfare concerns following a congested calendar.
Why it matters
It reflects the ongoing tension between commercial broadcasting demands and the physical well-being of professional athletes.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Manchester United beat Newcastle United 1-0 at Old Trafford in the only match staged on Boxing Day 2025
The Premier League has announced it will stage seven matches on Boxing Day this year after releasing its festive schedule.
Four fixtures will be staged at 15:00 GMT, with further matches played at 12:30, 17:30 and 20:00.
The fixture programme for 26 December, which falls on a Saturday in 2026, is considerably bigger than last year, when one game was held .
Three matches will be played on Sunday, 27 December, while three further rounds of games will be held over a period up to Thursday, 7 January.
A round of evening midweek fixtures will staged on 29-30 December, while Leeds will host Everton (20:00) for the only match on New Year's Day.
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