Start date for Burnley's 2026/27 season confirmed as Championship line-up revealed

In years gone by, sides relegated from the Premier League in 18th and 19th place the previous season would often receive a bye through to the second round of the Carabao Cup.

But owing to eight English sides qualifying for Europe, both West Ham and Burnley will now begin their cup journey in the first round.

That means the Clarets’ 2026/27 season will officially begin on the weekend of August 7-9, with the Carabao Cup kicking off the week before the Championship gets underway.

The side that finishes in last place, which in this instance is Wolves, always enter the competition in the first round.

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Both Wolves and the Hammers will be among the early favourites for promotion alongside Burnley.

But there will be plenty of competition, with the likes of Middlesbrough, Southampton, Sheffield United, Wrexham and Birmingham City also expected to be in the mix.

It comes after the Championship’s full line-up was confirmed over the weekend with the culmination of the Premier League season and the play-off finals.

Bolton Wanders joined Lincoln City and Cardiff City in sealing promotion from the third tier, following a 4-1 win over Stockport County at Wembley.

Championship line up in full

Birmingham City

Blackburn Rovers

Bolton Wanderers

Bristol City

Burnley

Cardiff City

Charlton Athletic

Derby County

Lincoln City

Middlesbrough

Millwall

Norwich City

Portsmouth

Preston North End

QPR

Sheffield United

Southampton

Stoke City

Swansea City

Watford

West Brom

West Ham

Wolves

Wrexham

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