Seven Premier League games scheduled for Boxing Day

What the report says

The Premier League has confirmed a festive fixture schedule that includes seven matches on Boxing Day this year, a sharp rise from the single game played on 26 December last year. According to BBC Sport Football, the date falls on a Saturday in 2026, with games spread across kick-off times from 12:30 GMT through 20:00 GMT. The full programme also includes three matches on 27 December, followed by additional rounds over the end-of-year period and into early January.

The league said it brought the announcement forward after consulting broadcast partners, the Football Supporters' Association and club Fan Advisory Board representatives. It also said clubs will be guaranteed at least 60 hours between fixtures over the festive period, reflecting ongoing concern about congestion in a calendar that now has more domestic, European and international commitments than in the past.

Among the headline matches on Boxing Day are Aston Villa v Leeds, Everton v Sunderland, Spurs v AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle v Manchester City. The wider schedule runs through to 7 January, with Leeds hosting Everton on New Year’s Day and later rounds spread across 2-3 January and 5-7 January. BBC Sport’s report highlights how the league is balancing traditional holiday fixtures with scheduling constraints and broadcaster requirements.