EFL 2025-26 Season: Wrexham’s Championship Return, Birmingham’s Opener, and Key Matches

The schedule for the English Football League (EFL) 2025-26 season has been released, highlighting key matchups for teams across the three divisions. Wrexham`s highly anticipated first season back in English football`s second tier after 43 years is set to begin away against newly relegated Southampton on Saturday, August 9. The Championship campaign will officially kick off the day before, on Friday, August 8, with Birmingham City, co-owned by Tom Brady, hosting Ipswich Town.

These opening fixtures represent a challenging start for both newly promoted sides. Meanwhile, Leicester City, also recently relegated from the Premier League, will aim to build early momentum when they face Sheffield Wednesday on August 10.

The EFL season commences the week prior, with League One action starting on Friday, August 1. The opening match sees relegated Luton Town taking on promoted AFC Wimbledon at Kenilworth Road. In League Two, a notable fixture includes Barnet`s return to the Football League with a home game against Fleetwood the following day, Saturday, August 2.

Attention is expected to heavily focus on the Championship, particularly on Wrexham, who have gained significant global recognition under the ownership of Hollywood figures Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Just two years ago, in August 2022, the Welsh club began their National League season with an away trip to Eastleigh; now they face a considerably more high-profile away opener against Southampton, a club considered among the bookmakers` favorites for automatic promotion.

Also highly rated for promotion are Ipswich Town and Birmingham City. Ipswich had a standout season in League One, accumulating a record 111 points. The involvement of prominent owners like Brady, Reynolds, and McElhenney is set to bring a unique level of attention, with anticipated `Hollywood derbies` featuring prominently in the calendar. Birmingham is scheduled to host Wrexham at St. Andrew`s on October 4, with the reverse fixture in Wales set for April 11.

Five EFL Fixtures to Watch

1. Luton Town vs. AFC Wimbledon — August 1
This provides a dramatic start to the League One season. Just two years after aiming for the Premier League, Luton must now navigate the third tier. While favored for promotion, the division is notoriously competitive. For Wimbledon, newly promoted, survival is key, and an early upset against a big name would be an ideal start.

2. Leicester City vs. Sheffield Wednesday — August 10
A key Championship clash. Questions surround Leicester`s immediate future under manager Ruud van Nistelrooy. Despite relegation leading many to expect a change, he remains in charge as the club heads into a new era without long-serving striker Jamie Vardy and facing potential points deductions for financial issues. This opener could set the tone for a challenging season if it doesn`t go their way.

3. Southampton vs. Portsmouth — September 13
The intense South Coast derby rivalry is reignited after nearly six years. Their last meeting was an EFL Cup tie between a Premier League side and a League One side. This time, Southampton and Portsmouth face each other as equals in the same division for the first time since the 2011-12 season. Anticipate a fixture filled with high tension and physical challenges.

4. Ipswich Town vs. Norwich City — October 4
The `Old Farm` derby, another classic English rivalry, is a more frequent occurrence but always captivating. This season`s encounter could hold more significance than just local bragging rights. While Ipswich are expected to push for a Premier League return, Norwich also has aspirations for the upper half of the table, potentially featuring talent under manager Liam Manning.

5. Wrexham vs. Middlesbrough — May 2
Predicting the outcome of the Championship`s final day is speculative, but it`s guaranteed to be full of drama as teams vie for automatic promotion, playoff spots, and survival. This particular fixture between Wrexham and Middlesbrough on May 2nd might turn out to be a direct battle for a place in the top six playoffs.