The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has officially unveiled the Scottish Premiership fixture list for the 2025/26 season, setting the stage for another thrilling campaign in Scotland's top-flight football. For Celtic, the reigning champions eyeing a historic fifth consecutive title and a record-breaking 56th league crown, the journey kicks off at home against St Mirren on Sunday, August 3, 2025, with the match scheduled for a 4:30 pm kickoff and broadcast live on Sky Sports.
This eagerly awaited fixture announcement was made public on the morning of June 20, 2025, giving fans and pundits alike a clear roadmap of the challenges and key moments that lie ahead for Brendan Rodgers' side. The Hoops will open their title defence at Celtic Park, a venue that has witnessed many memorable moments in their illustrious history. The season opener will be a focal point for supporters hoping to see fresh faces joining the squad, with Kieran Tierney already secured and more signings anticipated before the campaign begins.
Following the home opener, Celtic's first away test comes swiftly, traveling to Aberdeen on August 10, 2025, with kickoff at 12:30 pm, also televised live on Sky Sports. This early-season clash against the Dons promises to be a stern examination for the champions on the road, setting the tone for the battles to come.
One of the most anticipated fixtures of the season is the first Old Firm derby, scheduled for Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Ibrox Stadium, kicking off at noon. This high-stakes encounter between Celtic and Rangers is always a highlight of the Scottish football calendar, and the early timing of this clash means both teams will be eager to assert dominance from the outset. The return fixture is slated for Celtic Park on Saturday, January 3, 2026, with a 12:30 pm kickoff, also live on Sky Sports, followed by a third meeting at Ibrox on the weekend of February 28 or March 1, 2026. It’s worth noting that these dates are subject to change depending on television scheduling.
The fixture list reveals a demanding schedule, especially during the festive period, where Celtic will face a congested run of games while balancing their European ambitions. The Hoops will need to navigate a two-legged play-off to secure Champions League football for a fourth consecutive year. Failure to advance would see them compete in the Europa League, adding another layer of complexity to their campaign.
Throughout the season, Celtic will face all the Premiership sides both home and away, including key clashes against Aberdeen, Livingston, Kilmarnock, Hibernian, Motherwell, Dundee, Heart of Midlothian, Falkirk, Dundee United, and St Mirren. Notably, the fixture against Kilmarnock away on February 14, 2026, stands out as a mid-season test.
The opening months see Celtic host St Mirren, Livingston, Hibernian, Motherwell, Falkirk, Dundee, and Heart of Midlothian, while their away fixtures include trips to Aberdeen, Rangers, Kilmarnock, Dundee, Hearts, Dundee United, St Mirren, and Hibernian. This balanced mix of home and away matches will test the squad's depth and resilience.
January features the pivotal home clash against Rangers on New Year's Day, a crucial fixture in the title race that often shapes the destiny of the campaign. Following that, Celtic will host Dundee United and visit Hearts and Falkirk, maintaining a busy schedule as they push for supremacy.
February and March continue with high-profile fixtures, including an away trip to Aberdeen, a home game against Livingston, and key matches against Hibernian and Rangers. The month culminates with the vital Old Firm derby at Ibrox, a fixture that could have significant implications for the title race.
As the season approaches its climax in April, Celtic will travel to Dundee and host St Mirren, with the final regular-season games offering a chance to consolidate their position ahead of the post-split phase. The split will see the league divide into two groups, with the top six battling for the championship and European qualification, and the bottom six fighting to avoid relegation.
Post-split fixtures are scheduled from late April into mid-May, with Matchday 33 kicking off on April 25, 2026, and the season concluding on May 17, 2026. These final fixtures will be crucial as Celtic aim to maintain their dominance and secure the coveted fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership title.
Brendan Rodgers and his squad will be under the spotlight as they balance domestic obligations with European competition, all while managing the physical and mental demands of a packed fixture list. The season promises to be a rollercoaster, with intense rivalries, high-stakes derbies, and the pursuit of historic achievements.
For fans, the release of the fixture list is the first step in a new chapter of Scottish football, filled with hope, anticipation, and the promise of unforgettable moments. Celtic's quest for glory begins in earnest this August, and every match will count as they strive to etch their name further into the annals of the sport.
