Sunderland Fixtures 2025/26: Full Premier League Schedule, Key Matches & Derby Dates Revealed

Sunderland AFC is back in the Premier League for the 2025/26 season, and the official fixture list is here! In this video, we break down all of Sunderland's Premier League fixtures, including the opening game against West Ham, the reason for the early fixture change due to the Women's Rugby World Cup, and the highly anticipated Tyne-Wear derbies against Newcastle United.

We cover every key date, including big away days at Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea, as well as the final home match at the Stadium of Light. Find out what lies ahead for the Black Cats and why this season could be one of the most exciting in recent club history.

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The 2025-26 Premier League season is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated campaigns in recent memory—especially for Sunderland fans. After a hard-fought return to the top flight, all eyes are now on the Black Cats as they gear up for their Premier League comeback. Today, we’ll walk you through Sunderland’s full fixture list for the new season, highlight key dates to remember, and explain some unusual developments, including a relocation due to an international rugby event.

The journey begins on Saturday, August 16th, when Sunderland kicks off their season at home against West Ham United. A favorable start in front of the home crowd at the Stadium of Light is exactly what manager and fans alike would have hoped for. It’s a chance to set the tone for the season and immediately test themselves against solid Premier League opposition.

But just a week later, things take an unexpected twist. Sunderland’s second match, originally set to be another home fixture, has been shifted away. Why? Because the Stadium of Light will be hosting a Women’s Rugby World Cup match on Friday, August 22nd. To avoid two major events on the same weekend, the Premier League has scheduled Sunderland to play away at Burnley on August 23rd instead. It’s a rare logistical shuffle, but one that shows how international events can directly impact domestic football schedules.

One of the most anticipated dates on the calendar is, without a doubt, the return of the Tyne-Wear derby. Sunderland will host bitter rivals Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light on December 13th. The return fixture at St James’ Park is scheduled for March 21st. These games are not just fixtures—they’re statements. Passion, pride, and decades of history will all be on display when these two clubs meet again in the top flight.

December could prove to be a defining month for Sunderland. They’re set to face Liverpool on December 3rd, then Manchester City just three days later on December 6th. That’s two away trips to title contenders in less than a week. Then comes the derby against Newcastle, followed by Brighton away on December 20th and a home clash with Leeds United on December 27th. It’s a packed and challenging festive period.

Interestingly, Sunderland will not play on New Year’s Day. Instead, their first game of 2026 comes on January 3rd with a trip to face Tottenham Hotspur in North London. That match could be crucial as the second half of the season begins, especially if Sunderland is fighting for mid-table security or chasing even higher goals.

Looking further ahead, Sunderland’s penultimate match of the season will be away to Everton on May 17th. And then, on the final day of the campaign, May 24th, they’ll return home to host Chelsea at the Stadium of Light. That’s a high-profile finale that could have major implications depending on both clubs' positions in the table.

Altogether, the Premier League schedule features 33 weekend rounds and five midweek rounds. The season begins on August 16th, 2025, and runs through May 24th, 2026. Fans can expect the usual mix of Saturday and Sunday kickoffs, with several matches likely moved for TV broadcasting.

For Sunderland, the 2025-26 season isn’t just about survival. It’s about proving they belong among England’s elite once again. With no immediate meetings against top-six sides early on, the team has a golden chance to gain confidence. Add to that the emotional highs of derby days and big away trips, and this could be a rollercoaster campaign from start to finish.

So mark your calendars, Black Cats supporters. Sunderland’s fixtures are out, and the countdown to kick-off has begun. Whether you’ll be in the stands at the Stadium of Light or watching from afar, one thing is clear—this Premier League season will be unmissable.