So if you’re here asking “When’s the next Old Firm game?”, here’s everything you need to know from the date and kickoff to the venue, ticket details, and what to expect on match day.
The Next Old Firm Game Mark Your Calendar
The Scottish Premiership fixture list for the 2025–26 season confirms three blockbuster clashes between Rangers F.C. and Celtic F.C., starting late summer. Here’s the breakdown:
- First Meeting: Sunday, 31 August 2025, Ibrox Stadium, kickoff 12:00 noon
- Second Clash: Saturday, 3 January 2026, Celtic Park, kickoff 12:30 pm
- Third Derby: Saturday, 28 February 2026, Ibrox Stadium, kickoff TBC
Those are your three official fixtures for the season. The first one’s coming fast so if you’re planning to travel to Glasgow, now’s the time to sort transport and tickets.
The Venue Battle: Ibrox vs Celtic Park
The Old Firm alternates between two cathedrals of football: Ibrox, home of Rangers, and Celtic Park, home of the Hoops. Each ground tells its own story.
Ibrox Stadium
A sea of royal blue and white, with 50,000 fans breathing fire into every tackle. The stands feel close, tight, and loud perfect for a derby atmosphere that can make your ribs shake.
Celtic Park
Nicknamed “Paradise” by Celtic fans, it’s one of Europe’s most intimidating venues. When “You’ll Never Walk Alone” echoes before kickoff, even rival fans admit it hits differently.
Both stadiums are within a few miles of each other, yet the vibe couldn’t be more contrasting. Blue on one side of the Clyde, green on the other. Same city two different worlds.
How to Watch the Old Firm Live
If you can’t score a ticket (and let’s be honest, most people can’t), you’ve got options.
TV Broadcast (UK & Ireland)
All three derbies will air live on Sky Sports with pre-match coverage starting an hour before kickoff.
You can also catch highlights later on BBC Scotland and SPFL YouTube.
Streaming Options
For fans abroad:
- USA & Canada: ESPN+ usually holds broadcast rights for Scottish Premiership fixtures.
- Australia & New Zealand: Paramount+ or beIN Sports often carry the games.
- Europe & Asia: Check Viaplay Sports or DAZN regional listings closer to the date.
If you’re streaming, make sure your connection’s solid nothing kills derby tension like buffering when someone’s through on goal.
What Time Is the Rangers AGM 2026?
You’ve probably seen “Rangers AGM 2026” trending and wondered if it connects to the fixture list. It doesn’t this refers to the club’s Annual General Meeting, typically held each December at the Clyde Auditorium or Ibrox conference suite.
Exact time and date aren’t confirmed yet, but it’s where shareholders review finances and long-term strategy. It’s more spreadsheets than football boots but for die-hard fans, it’s still part of the calendar.
Why the Old Firm Still Dominates Football Talk
Even if you’ve never watched Scottish football, you’ve heard of this rivalry. It’s part history, part religion, part geography, and 100 percent passion.
For over a century, Rangers and Celtic have traded championships, insults, and unforgettable moments. Every meeting has something at stake league standings, bragging rights, European spots, or just pride.
The cultural side runs deep. The Old Firm reflects Glasgow’s dual identity two proud traditions separated by colours and convictions. Yet, strangely enough, the city wouldn’t feel complete without both.
Last Season Recap: How They’re Shaping Up
The 2024–25 campaign ended the way most Scottish seasons do tight margins, a few controversies, and a title race decided in the final weeks.
- Celtic closed strong under new management, leaning on fluid attacking play.
- Rangers rebuilt defensively and showed flashes of resilience.
This time around, both sides are hungry. Rangers want redemption after a patchy European run; Celtic want to prove domestic dominance isn’t slipping. Expect sparks.
Key Players to Watch in 2025–26
Old Firm derbies often make or break reputations.
- Rangers’ talismanic forward will shoulder goal-scoring pressure, backed by a restructured midfield.
- Celtic’s creative trio thrive on quick interplay watch for surprise lineup changes and pressing intensity.
- Goalkeepers, always unsung heroes, could be the difference once more.
Derbies have a habit of crowning unexpected heroes a substitute, a defender on set-piece duty, even a rookie. Someone always writes their name into folklore.
The Matchday Experience Glasgow in Full Colour
Ask anyone who’s been to a derby: it’s not just a game, it’s an atmosphere.
From early morning, pubs around the city fill with chants and anticipation. Police cordons go up, scarves wave from passing cars, and every street corner buzzes with energy.
For travellers:
- Book accommodation early. Prices jump weeks in advance.
- Use public transport. Roads close fast near stadiums.
- Respect both fan bases. Colours matter here avoid wearing club shirts casually unless you’re inside your section.
- Bring ID. Ticket checks are strict, and allocations are limited.
Glasgow on derby day feels alive electric, edgy, emotional. If football had a heartbeat, this would be it.
Celtic’s Biggest Rivalry Beyond Rangers?
Let’s be honest, no one rivals Rangers like Celtic and vice versa. Still, history gives Celtic a few other notable battles:
- Aberdeen: fierce in the ’80s and still occasionally heated.
- Hearts: more competitive than personal, but always intense.
Yet nothing comes close to Rangers. The Old Firm is Celtic’s ultimate test. Every victory feels like validation; every loss stings for weeks.
Tactical Breakdown: What to Expect This Season
Rangers are leaning toward a compact 4-2-3-1, pressing high and breaking fast on the counter. Their success depends on whether midfield pivots can control Celtic’s movement.
Celtic, meanwhile, thrive in possession. Their 4-3-3 turns fluid under pressure, with full-backs pushing forward and wingers cutting inside. It’s fast, attacking football designed to stretch defences.
Derbies often come down to moments discipline, set pieces, red cards. Expect crunching tackles, late drama, and maybe one controversial VAR call to ignite social media for days.
Ticket Tips for Fans
Getting into an Old Firm match isn’t easy, but it’s doable if you’re quick and smart.
- Official Club Membership: Both clubs offer priority access to members. Join early.
- Hospitality Packages: Costly, yes but they guarantee seats and safety.
- Resale Platforms: Only use verified outlets; counterfeits circulate widely near match day.
- International Fans: Consider tour packages that include match tickets plus lodging.
Average ticket prices range from £45 – £120, depending on the section. Remember, alcohol sales are banned inside Scottish stadiums but you won’t need liquid courage when the crowd roars.
What Makes This Rivalry Timeless
There’s a moment in every Old Firm game when the world seems to pause. It could be a last-minute free-kick, a goalkeeper’s fingertip save, or the eruption after a goal. That surge of noise half joy, half heartbreak is why people keep coming back.
It’s not polished or polite. It’s raw, imperfect, emotional football at its purest.
For neutral fans, it’s a spectacle. For Glaswegians, it’s a heartbeat. And for players, it’s the kind of match that defines careers.
Predictions: Who Takes It This Time?
Forecasting an Old Firm outcome is like guessing Scottish weather confident for five minutes, then chaos. Still, here’s a feel of where it stands:
- Celtic carry momentum, sharper attacking patterns, and squad depth.
- Rangers bring hunger, home advantage in the opener, and renewed grit.
If history repeats, expect a split one win each and a draw. The title race could hinge on goal difference yet again.
But remember, derbies don’t follow logic they follow emotion. Whoever controls theirs better usually wins.
For the Love of the Game
The Old Firm is more than just a fixture; it’s a pulse running through Scottish football.
Each whistle, tackle, and goal writes a new line in a story that’s over a hundred years old.
When that first game kicks off on 31 August 2025 at Ibrox, the city will hold its breath again. Whether you wear green, blue, or just love the sport, there’s no better theatre than this.
Rachel combines her technical expertise with a flair for clear, accessible writing. A graduate of the University of Edinburgh, she specializes in creating detailed tech-focused content, Govt Jobs, Payslips that educates our readers about the latest in web development and SEO tools at Spinbot blog.