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Celtic begin title defence at home to Dundee
TL;DR
Celtic will begin their Scottish Premiership title defence on August 3 against Dundee, despite expressing disappointment over the Monday evening fixture. The scheduling conflict arises from the Commonwealth Games and concerts by Calvin Harris.
Key points
- Celtic's title defence starts on August 3
- Match against Dundee scheduled for Monday evening
- Conflicts due to Commonwealth Games and concerts
Mentioned in this story
Calvin Harris
CelticDundee
Celtic have voiced their disappointment after it was announced they will start their Scottish Premiership title defence on a Monday evening, due to a combination of the Commonwealth Games and two Calvin Harris concerts.
The Scottish champions say they made "repeated representations" to the SPFL and Police Scotland to ensure a weekend fixture but were told there was "no choice" but to have their opener against Dundee on 3 August (19:30 BST).
There will be Glasgow 2026 cycling events at the Sir Chris Hoy Arena - next to Celtic Park - over the weekend of 1 and 2 August, while Harris will stage two large concerts at Hampden on the same days.
The 2026-27 term begins on Friday 31 July, with Dundee United hosting Rangers.
Hearts - last term's runners-up - visit Aberdeen on the Saturday, with Falkirk and St Mirren also meeting that day.
There are two games on Sunday, as newly-promoted St Johnstone mark their return against Kilmarnock in Perth before Hibernian entertain Motherwell.
The first Old Firm derby will be on Sunday 20 September at Celtic Park (12:00).
There will be a Dundee derby at Dens Park during the third round of fixtures, while Edinburgh rivals Hibs and Hearts will go head-to-head at Easter Road on Wednesday 2 September.
New Rangers manager Derek McInnes will return to Tynecastle on Wednesday 28 October after his departure from Hearts.
Once again, there is no room in the schedule for a winter break.
Fixture round 33 arrives on 10 April, with the five rounds of post-split games ending on the weekend of 15/16 May.
Last season was one of the most dramatic in recent memory as Celtic clinched a fifth straight title by beating Hearts in the final few minutes of the last game.
Scottish Premiership - opening weekend games
Friday 31 July
Dundee United v Rangers (20:00 BST)
Saturday 1 August
Falkirk v St Mirren (15:00)
Aberdeen v Heart of Midlothian (17:30)
Sunday 2 August
St Johnstone v Kilmarnock (14:00)
Hibernian v Motherwell (16:30)
Monday 3 August
Celtic v Dundee (19:30)
Scottish Premiership fixtures - club by club
Q&A
Why is Celtic's opening match on a Monday evening?
Celtic's opener is on a Monday evening due to scheduling conflicts with the Commonwealth Games and two Calvin Harris concerts.
What date does the Scottish Premiership season start?
The Scottish Premiership season starts on July 31, 2026, with Dundee United hosting Rangers.
Who are Celtic playing in their first match of the season?
Celtic will play against Dundee in their first match of the season on August 3 at 19:30 BST.
