FPL Fixture Release: Start Your Early Planning This Friday

The Premier League will release the 2026/27 fixtures on Friday, 19 June at 10:00 BST via premierleague.com. According to the league, this allows Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers to utilize Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR) and account for World Cup 2026 fatigue before the season begins on Saturday, 22 August.

The Premier League’s digital calendar will allow users to download the 38 Gameweeks directly to mobile devices. Managers can set up this synchronization ahead of the Friday release to receive the schedule instantly.

How do Fixture Difficulty Ratings impact squad planning?

FPL managers can use Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR) to assess match schedules over several weeks. The Premier League uses a complex algorithm to rank fixture difficulty on a scale from one, the easiest, to five, the hardest.

Data from the 2025/26 campaign indicates that focusing on the first four-to-six Gameweeks is more effective than targeting the opening weekend. According to the FDR, Chelsea and Sunderland had some of the best schedules during the first six rounds of the previous season.

This trend resulted in high point yields for specific players. Chelsea’s Joao Pedro earned 37 points with two goals and three assists, while Enzo Fernandez ranked third among midfielders with 39 points. Sunderland’s Robin Roefs and Omar Alderete—who cost only £4.0m—both recorded 39 points over the same period.

Did You Know? The Fixture Difficulty Rating (FDR) uses a complex algorithm to rank every match on a scale of one to five, where one represents the easiest possible match and five the hardest.

Why do new managerial appointments matter for FPL?

Tactical shifts and lineup changes may require patience from fantasy managers. Four clubs—AFC Bournemouth, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, and Liverpool—have already appointed new managers. Fulham, Ipswich Town, and Manchester City are expected to announce their new managers before the season starts.

When Does FPL 2025/26 Start? Launch Date Prediction & Early Fixture Talk

Additionally, three coaches are entering their first full season in charge. Michael Carrick of Manchester United, Vitor Pereira of Nottingham Forest, and Roberto De Zerbi of Tottenham Hotspur all joined their respective clubs during the 2025/26 campaign.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the high volume of managerial turnover across 10 different clubs creates a volatile environment for early-season predictions. Managers may face a trade-off between selecting established stars and waiting for new tactical systems to solidify.

What is the expected impact of the 2026 World Cup?

The FIFA World Cup 2026 could affect player fitness and availability for the season opener. The third-place playoff and the final are scheduled for July 18-19, leaving only five weeks before the Premier League begins on August 22.

Players who reach the final stages of the tournament may return late to pre-season training. This could lead to doubts regarding their match fitness for Gameweek 1.

Players not involved in the World Cup may have a competitive advantage. According to the provided data, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool), and Phil Foden (Manchester City) could benefit from a summer of club friendlies without international duties.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the 2026/27 Premier League fixtures be released?
The fixtures will be available on Friday, 19 June at 10:00 BST on premierleague.com.

What is the Fixture Difficulty Rating (FDR)?
The FDR is an algorithm-based tool that ranks the difficulty of matches from one (easiest) to five (hardest).

How does the 2026 World Cup affect FPL planning?
Players reaching the World Cup final on July 18-19 may return late to training, potentially impacting their fitness for the August 22 season start.

Which players do you believe will benefit most from a summer without international duties?