Championship fixtures reveal date changed — Stoke City set to discover their fate soon.

Latest Stoke City update from StokeontrentLive as 2025/26 fixture release gets rescheduled from the usual 9am slot.

Stoke City are heading into a pivotal summer as they look to reshape their squad to fit the vision of new manager Mark Robins while staying within the strict financial constraints set by the EFL. Following a disappointing campaign that saw both Steven Schumacher and Narcis Pelach dismissed, the club only narrowly avoided relegation with a final-day draw against Derby. Robins now faces the challenge of rebuilding a once-feared side into serious Championship contenders again.

The upcoming Championship season kicks off over the weekend of August 8–10, with Carabao Cup first-round ties to follow shortly after. Fixture release day on Thursday, June 26, will also feature the Vertu Trophy group stage draw, airing on Sky Sports News at 2:30pm.

This season brings a change to tradition — instead of the usual 9am release, the EFL will unveil the fixture list at 12 noon. Then, at 4:30pm, the Carabao Cup first-round draw will take place, also live on Sky Sports News.

While full pre-season plans are yet to be disclosed, the retained list has been confirmed. Stoke have released injury-hit veterans Lynden Gooch, Jordan Thompson, Michael Rose, and Enda Stevens, while Lewis Baker remains with the squad. With 46 league matches scheduled across 33 weekends, nine midweeks, and four Bank Holidays, the 2025/26 season promises to be a packed and defining one for the Potters.