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Introduction
With the 2025–26 season fast approaching, Liverpool fans are preparing for another action-packed year of football. Following their triumphant Premier League title win last season, the Reds are gearing up for a busy calendar that includes domestic competitions, the Champions League, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Here’s your complete guide to the key dates and competitions that will shape Liverpool’s upcoming campaign.
Premier League: Defending the Crown
Liverpool will begin their Premier League title defense on the weekend of Saturday, August 16. Fans won’t have to wait long to see the full fixture list, as it will be officially released at 9am BST on Wednesday, June 18. This is the moment when supporters can start marking their calendars for the biggest clashes of the season. The 2025–26 league campaign will run until Sunday, May 24, with all matches in the final round kicking off simultaneously. In total, the season will consist of 33 weekends of football, along with five additional midweek slots to accommodate the full schedule.
A notable update from the Premier League is the continued focus on player welfare during the festive period. There will be no games on Christmas Eve, and no two rounds will take place within 60 hours of each other. This is part of the league’s broader commitment to giving players more time to rest and recover during what is traditionally one of the most congested periods in the calendar.
Transfer Windows: Two Summer Periods and a Winter Slot
The transfer window is always a crucial time for any club, and Liverpool will be active as they look to strengthen their squad for another demanding season. Due to the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, the Premier League has introduced two summer transfer windows. The first summer window closed at 7pm on Tuesday, June 10. The second will open on Monday, June 16, giving clubs another opportunity to finalize deals. This window will remain open until Monday, September 1 at 7pm.
In addition to the summer periods, the winter transfer window will run from January 1 to February 2. These windows are key moments for Liverpool to reinforce their squad, respond to injuries, or offload players who are not part of Arne Slot’s plans.
FA Community Shield: Clash with Crystal Palace
By virtue of winning the Premier League in 2024–25, Liverpool have secured their place in the FA Community Shield. This traditional curtain-raiser to the English football season will see the Reds take on Crystal Palace, who lifted the Emirates FA Cup. Although the exact date of the Community Shield fixture has yet to be announced, it typically takes place in early August and offers fans an early taste of competitive action.
Champions League: A New Format and Fresh Challenges
Liverpool’s return to the Champions League will see them take part in the newly formatted league phase. The draw for this expanded phase will be held on Thursday, August 28. Liverpool, confirmed to be in pot one, will be drawn against eight different opponents, playing four matches at home and four away.
Here are the key dates for the Champions League league phase:
- Matchday 1: September 16, 17, or 18
- Matchday 2: September 30 or October 1
- Matchday 3: October 21 or 22
- Matchday 4: November 4 or 5
- Matchday 5: November 25 or 26
- Matchday 6: December 9 or 10
- Matchday 7: January 20 or 21
- Matchday 8: January 28
If Liverpool finish within the top eight, they will automatically progress to the round of 16. However, teams finishing ninth to 24th will face two-legged knockout play-offs on February 17 or 18 and February 24 or 25.
From there, the knockout rounds begin in earnest:
- Last-16 ties: March 10, 11, 17, or 18
- Quarter-finals: April 7, 8, 14, or 15
- Semi-finals: April 28, 29, May 5, or 6
- Final: Saturday, May 30 at the Puskas Arena in Budapest
The new format means more matches and potentially tougher opposition, but Liverpool will be aiming to go deep into the competition once again.
Emirates FA Cup: Road to Wembley
The Reds will enter the Emirates FA Cup in the third round, as usual. Those ties are scheduled for the weekend of January 10 and 11. With no replays from the first round onward, every match will be decided on the day, adding to the drama and intensity of the world’s oldest cup competition. Should Liverpool progress, they will have their eyes set on the final, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 16 at Wembley Stadium. This competition always brings unexpected storylines and memorable moments, and Liverpool will be determined to add another FA Cup trophy to their illustrious history.
Carabao Cup: Another Shot at Silverware
Liverpool’s Carabao Cup journey will begin in round three, with that match taking place in the week commencing September 22. This competition is often used to give minutes to squad players and young talents, but the Reds have also used it as a genuine shot at silverware in recent years.
The next stages are as follows:
- Round 4: Week of October 27
- Round 5: Week of December 15
- Semi-finals: Two-legged ties in the weeks of January 12 and February 2
- Final: Sunday, March 22
Given the depth of Liverpool’s squad, Arne Slot could use the Carabao Cup to rotate while still remaining competitive.
A Season Packed with Promise
Liverpool’s 2025–26 season promises to be one of the most intense and exciting in recent memory. With domestic and European campaigns running simultaneously and additional fixtures from competitions like the Club World Cup and the Community Shield, the Reds will be tested on every front. Fans will need to keep a close eye on fixture announcements and key dates as the season unfolds. From the first Premier League match in August to the Champions League final in May, Liverpool’s journey will be long, challenging, and potentially historic.
Whether you’re following from the stands at Anfield or supporting from around the world, this is a season where every match could mean something. With Arne Slot at the helm and a strong squad hungry for more success, Liverpool supporters have every reason to be optimistic.
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Thank you for your continued support, and let’s cheer Liverpool on to success in the upcoming match. Your thoughts are always welcome in the comments section. For further insights, you may explore the official Liverpool FC website by clicking here.
YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com