Rangers and Celtic have learned the opening shape of their 2026/27 season, and the first Old Firm meeting is the fixture that stands out. Rangers go away to Dundee Utd on July 31, live on Sky Sports, while the first derby is away to Celtic Park on September 20, also live on Sky Sports. Celtic's opening match is scheduled for Monday, August 3 at 7:30pm.
Why the opening weekend has already drawn attention
Celtic said their first match had initially been set for 8pm before the kick-off was brought forward to 7.30pm after positive dialogue with the SPFL and Sky Sports. The club said that change was made in recognition of the demands on travelling supporters, particularly from Ireland, and described the original Monday-night slot as disappointing because of Commonwealth Games events and Calvin Harris gigs at Hampden.
That is the part of the release that will irritate Celtic supporters most, even before a ball has been kicked. The early kick-off softens the blow a little, but the Monday-night start still shapes the tone of the opening week.
The derby date carries its own edge. Martin O'Neill will come up against ex-Hearts boss Derek McInnes in the first derby meeting at Parkhead, and McInnes is taking charge of his first Old Firm match after replacing Danny Röhl as Rangers manager on Wednesday.
Rangers' place in the league picture gives that trip more weight too. They finished second in the 2025 Premiership table with 69 points, so McInnes inherits a side that was close but still behind Celtic. Celtic topped the championship round with 82 points and finished their previous league campaign with five straight wins, while Rangers' last five Premiership results were WLLLL.
The most recent derby in the stats pack was Celtic 3-1 Rangers, which is a reminder that the September 20 meeting is not just another date on the calendar. Rangers also host Celtic on January 2, 2027 before the final pre-split meeting in Glasgow on February 27.
If the opening weekend has already produced debate, the Parkhead derby is the first real test of where this Rangers team stands under McInnes.
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