European club football is back, with La Liga getting underway first on August 15, the Premier League following on August 21, and Serie A rounding out the trio on August 22-23.
The staggered starts are a direct consequence of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which stretched deeper into the summer than usual thanks to its expanded format.
Opening day fixtures and defending champions
The Premier League’s curtain raiser lands on Friday, August 21, with Arsenal hosting Coventry City at 20:00.
Serie A begins on the weekend of August 22-23. Inter Milan enter the campaign as defending champions. The Italian top flight is scheduled to wrap up on May 30, 2027.
