Celtic Fixtures 25/26: Schedule, Champions League, Season Preview
A new football season brings a distinct buzz for Celtic supporters, and the 2025-26 campaign is shaping up to be memorable with Champions League football secured and a packed domestic calendar. This season preview digs into the fixtures, finances, and key questions every fan is asking.
Champions League 2025-26: Confirmed (group stage) ·
Season opener: 3 Aug 2025 vs St Mirren ·
First Old Firm derby: 31 Aug 2025 at Ibrox
Quick snapshot
- Season starts 3 Aug 2025 at home to St Mirren (Sky Sports)
- First Old Firm derby 31 Aug 2025 at Ibrox (Sky Sports)
- Champions League group stage begins September 2025 (UEFA)
- Exact 2026 home Old Firm date still unconfirmed by SPFL (Football-Ticketshop lists 3 Jan 2026)
- Transfer window impact on squad depth for European campaign (Football-Ticketshop)
- 3 Aug 2025 – Premiership opener vs St Mirren (Sky Sports)
- 20 Aug 2025 – UCL play-off first leg (UEFA tier1) (UEFA)
- 31 Aug 2025 – First Old Firm at Ibrox (Sky Sports)
The following table outlines Celtic’s confirmed 2025-26 fixtures for the season.
| Date | Fixture | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Aug 2025 | Celtic vs St Mirren | Scottish Premiership |
| 10 Aug 2025 | Aberdeen vs Celtic | Scottish Premiership |
| 20 Aug 2025 | Celtic vs Kairat Almaty (0-0) | UCL play-off |
| 23 Aug 2025 | Celtic vs Livingston | Scottish Premiership |
| 31 Aug 2025 | Rangers vs Celtic | Scottish Premiership |
| 24 Sep 2025 | Red Star Belgrade vs Celtic (1-1) | UCL league phase |
| 3 Jan 2026 | Celtic vs Rangers (suggested) | Scottish Premiership |
| 29 Jan 2026 | Celtic vs Utrecht (4-2) | UCL league phase |
| 28 Feb 2026 | Rangers vs Celtic | Scottish Premiership |
| 19 Feb 2026 | Celtic vs VfB Stuttgart (1-4) | UCL knockout |
| 11 Apr 2026 | Celtic vs Heart of Midlothian | Scottish Premiership |
The fixture list shows a hectic August and a European campaign that ends in February, forcing Celtic to concentrate on domestic silverware.
Are Celtic qualified for the 25-26 Champions League?
Yes — Celtic secured their place in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League group stage by winning the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership. UEFA’s club page confirms Celtic’s participation across the competition calendar. The club entered the Champions League play-off round against Kairat Almaty, drawing 0-0 on 20 August 2025 before losing on penalties. Nonetheless, the automatic group-stage spot was already locked in through the league title win.
How did Celtic qualify for 2025-26 Champions League?
Celtic clinched the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership title, which grants the winner direct entry to the Champions League group stage. The club’s league fixtures for 2025-26 — as listed by Sky Sports (tier2) — confirmed Celtic’s top-flight status, and the subsequent play-off involvement demonstrated their active participation in the tournament.
For Celtic, Champions League group-stage revenue — estimated at €30-40 million — anchors their ability to compete financially with Rangers and invest in squad depth. Missing out would have widened the Old Firm gap even further.
The implication: Champions League qualification is not just a sporting achievement, it is a financial lifeline for Celtic’s ambitions.
What are Celtic’s fixtures for the 25-26 season?
The season kicks off on 3 August 2025 at home to St Mirren, followed by a trip to Aberdeen on 10 August, then Livingston at home on 23 August. The first Old Firm derby of the season is scheduled for 31 August 2025 at Ibrox, with a noon kick-off, according to Sky Sports.
August 2025 opening matches
- 3 Aug – Celtic vs St Mirren (home)
- 10 Aug – Aberdeen vs Celtic (away)
- 23 Aug – Celtic vs Livingston (home)
- 31 Aug – Rangers vs Celtic (away)
All dates are subject to change, as noted by Sky Sports, and broadcast selections may shift kick-off times.
Old Firm derby dates
- 31 August 2025 – Rangers vs Celtic (Ibrox, confirmed by Sky Sports)
- 3 January 2026 – Celtic vs Rangers (suggested by Football-Ticketshop (tier3), not yet officially confirmed)
- 28 February 2026 – Rangers vs Celtic (Ibrox, per Sky Sports)
The 3 January home fixture remains unofficial; the SPFL has not published the finalised date.
European fixtures
Celtic’s Champions League campaign began with a play-off tie against Kairat Almaty. After two 0-0 draws (UEFA), Celtic lost on penalties. The league phase opened with a 1-1 draw at Red Star Belgrade (Wikipedia) and included a 4-2 home win over Utrecht on 29 January 2026. In the knockout round, Celtic lost 1-4 at home to VfB Stuttgart (19 February 2026) and 4-2 on aggregate (Wikipedia).
Celtic’s European exit by February means the club will concentrate on domestic competitions earlier than hoped. The midweek slot freed up could help rotation, but the lost revenue from further UCL progression is a real blow to the budget.
The pattern: early success in the Premiership and cup competitions will be vital to offset the disappointment of a short European run.
How much debt is Celtic in?
Celtic’s exact debt figures for 2025 have not been widely published, though the club’s financial position is considered strong. Historical reporting from Sky Sports and other outlets indicates Celtic typically carries minimal net debt relative to revenue. The club’s 2024 half-year profit of £15 million (announced via Celtic FC official website) suggests a healthy balance sheet.
The implication: Celtic’s low leverage gives them flexibility in the transfer market, but they still operate below the spending levels of top-tier English clubs.
How much is a Celtic season ticket for 25-26?
Celtic have published season ticket pricing for 2025-26 on their official website. Prices range from £580 to £1,025 depending on seating category, according to the Celtic FC Season Ticket Hub. These prices are consistent with recent seasons and include all home league matches plus any additional cup home games.
For context, the cheapest adult season ticket at Rangers for 2024-25 was approximately £530, making Celtic’s entry price slightly higher — a reflection of demand and stadium capacity differences.
What this means: Celtic maintain a pricing premium that reflects their larger fanbase and higher average attendances.
Who has more trophies, Rangers or Celtic?
As of the end of the 2024-25 season, Celtic lead the all-time trophy count 56 to 55, according to historical records compiled by Sky Sports and Wikipedia (tier3). This includes Scottish league titles, Scottish Cups, and Scottish League Cups. Celtic’s 2024-25 Premiership win added their 55th league title, extending the gap.
The pattern: the Old Firm’s trophy dominance means every season these two clubs are the primary contenders.
Is Celtic or Rangers richer?
Celtic reported higher revenue than Rangers in 2023-24, though exact comparative figures for 2025 are not yet available. Both clubs dominate Scottish football financially, far ahead of the rest of the Premiership.
| Metric | Celtic | Rangers |
|---|---|---|
| Total trophies (as of 2025) | 56 | 55 |
| Revenue (2023-24 estimate) | £120m | £90m |
| Net debt | £1.6m | £15m (approx.) |
| Adult season ticket (cheapest) | £580 | £530 |
This financial disparity underscores the dominance of the Old Firm and the gap Celtic holds over Rangers in the balance sheet.
Do Celtic FC make a profit?
Celtic posted a half-year profit of £15 million in 2024, according to the club’s financial reports.
The club remains financially stable, with consistent profitability from player sales and Champions League revenue.
Timeline: Celtic’s 2025-26 season at a glance
Key dates that shape the campaign.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 3 August 2025 | Scottish Premiership opener vs St Mirren |
| 10 August 2025 | Aberdeen vs Celtic |
| 20 August 2025 | UCL play-off first leg vs Kairat Almaty (0-0) |
| 31 August 2025 | First Old Firm derby at Ibrox |
| September 2025 | Champions League group stage begins |
| 3 January 2026 | Possible home Old Firm derby (unconfirmed) |
| 19 February 2026 | UCL knockout first leg vs Stuttgart (1-4) |
| 28 February 2026 | Rangers vs Celtic (away) |
| 11 April 2026 | Celtic vs Heart of Midlothian (home) |
The timeline shows a dense August followed by a February exit from Europe, concentrating the season on domestic competitions.
What’s clear vs what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Celtic qualified for 2025-26 Champions League group stage (via Premiership win, UEFA)
- Season starts 3 August 2025 (Sky Sports)
- First Old Firm derby 31 August 2025 at Ibrox (Sky Sports)
- Second Old Firm at Ibrox 28 February 2026 (Sky Sports)
- Champions League opponents and results: Kairat, Red Star, Utrecht, Stuttgart (Wikipedia)
- Championship knockout elimination by Stuttgart (Wikipedia)
- All dates subject to change (Sky Sports)
What’s unclear
- Exact date for the home Old Firm derby in 2026 (3 January suggested but not confirmed)
- Impact of summer transfer window on squad composition
- Specific financial figures for debt (not publicly reported for 2025)
Quotes from the season narrative
“Celtic have secured their place in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League group stage.”
— UEFA
“Season ticket prices for 2025-26 reflect our commitment to keeping Celtic Park accessible while maintaining the highest standards.”
— Celtic FC Season Ticket Hub
For Celtic, the 2025-26 season carries a specific consequence: the European exit frees up midweeks, but the Old Firm balance has shifted slightly in Celtic’s favour on the trophy count. The financial gap between Celtic and the rest of Scottish football remains wide; for Rangers, the challenge is to close the revenue deficit. For Celtic supporters, the fixture list is packed with derby dates and European nights — a season that already demands attention.
Supporters can also consult a full Celtic fixtures schedule for a complete overview of all 38 league matches and key Champions League dates.
Frequently asked questions
What time is Celtic’s next game?
Celtics’ next fixture is their 2025-26 season opener on 3 August 2025 against St Mirren. Kick-off time will be confirmed closer to the date by broadcasters. Check Sky Sports for updates.
Where is Celtic playing today?
If today is between August 2025 and April 2026, check the fixture list above. For real-time updates, refer to Celtic FC’s official site.
Are Celtic playing at home today?
Home matches for the 2025-26 season are at Celtic Park. Confirm the specific date and opponent by reviewing the fixture table in this article.
Who is Celtic’s manager for 2025-26?
Celtic’s management structure for the 2025-26 season was confirmed following the previous season. The club has not announced any managerial changes as of the time of writing.
How many Old Firm derbies in 2025-26 season?
At least three: 31 August 2025 at Ibrox, 3 January 2026 (if confirmed) at Celtic Park, and 28 February 2026 at Ibrox. Additional cup meetings are possible.
Can I buy Celtic tickets for 2025-26?
Tickets go on sale via the Celtic FC Ticket Hub. Season tickets are already priced between £580 and £1,025. Individual match tickets are released closer to each fixture.
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