West Ham’s 2026-27 Championship schedule released

West Ham United will begin their first Championship season in 15 years with an away match against fellow relegated side Burnley on Sunday, August 16. The fixture, part of the 2026-27 season schedule released on Thursday, reignites a long-dormant London rivalry, as West Ham will face Millwall for the first time since 2012.

The Hammers' relegation from the Premier League was confirmed on the final day of the 2025-26 season. Their return to the second tier starts at Turf Moor before a first home game against Charlton Athletic on August 22. The season's first meeting with fierce rivals Millwall is scheduled for September 19 at Millwall's home ground, the Den. The return fixture at West Ham's London Stadium is set for February 20, 2027.

Manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who confirmed he will stay with the club following relegation, previously achieved automatic promotion from the Championship with Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2018. West Ham will aim for a similar instant return, concluding their regular season at home to Portsmouth on May 1. The club has reported strong season ticket sales, with nearly 35,000 sold and expectations to surpass 40,000 by August.