Opening Fixtures and Merseyside Derbies
Everton begin their 2025/26 Premier League campaign away to newly promoted Leeds United on Monday, August 18, 2025, at 20:00 BST, live on Sky Sports, marking their first league match since moving to the 52,888-capacity Hill Dickinson Stadium. The Toffees’ home opener follows on August 23 against Brighton & Hove Albion at 15:00. After facing Fulham (away, August 30) and Sunderland (home, September 13), Everton tackle reigning champions Liverpool in the first Merseyside derby on September 20 at Goodison Park, with the return fixture at Anfield on April 18, 2026.
Festive Period and Key Matches
The festive schedule presents challenges for David Moyes’ side, with back-to-back games against top teams. Everton face Nottingham Forest twice in December: away on December 13 and home on December 20. A trip to Burnley follows on December 27, before hosting Chelsea on December 30 and Arsenal on January 3, 2026. The festive period avoids Boxing Day fixtures, with a 60-hour gap between matches ensuring player welfare, as mandated by the Premier League. Everton’s early season also includes clashes with Manchester United (away, September 27) and Newcastle United (home, October 18).
Season Run-In
Everton’s final home game is against Manchester City on May 16, 2026, a crucial test before their season concludes away to Tottenham Hotspur on May 24, 2026, at 16:00 BST, with all final-day matches televised live. The Toffees face a relatively balanced run-in, with matches against mid-table sides like Crystal Palace (home, April 25) and West Ham United (away, May 2), but a tough April includes Liverpool and Aston Villa (away, April 11). Moyes, bolstered by Kyle Walker’s agreed one-year deal from Manchester City, aims to improve on their 13th-place finish in 2024/25.
Season Overview and Context
The 2025/26 season, spanning August 15, 2025, to May 24, 2026, features 33 weekend rounds and 5 midweek rounds, with Everton navigating a campaign between the Club World Cup (June 15-July 13, 2025) and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Sky Sports will broadcast 215 matches, including Everton’s opener, with TNT Sports covering 52. Semi-automated offside technology and Puma’s new match ball debut, enhancing precision. Everton’s move to Hill Dickinson Stadium marks a historic shift, with fans on X buzzing about the Leeds clash and derbies. The Toffees’ pre-season, including U.S. friendlies from July 26 to August 3, prepares them for a competitive season.
