The English Premier League is set to return in 2026, and it's sure to be a thrilling year for football fans across the globe. With the new season just around the corner, there are plenty of things to look forward to.
One of the biggest changes coming into effect this season will be the introduction of new teams into the competition. The English Football League has announced that six new clubs will join the top flight in the next two years, bringing the total number of teams up to 20.
Another key development for the league in 2026 will be the implementation of a new format for the Europa Conference League. This will see the top two teams from each group of the Europa League qualify for the Europa Conference League, while the remaining teams will play off against each other to determine who progresses to the main event.
There will also be changes to the way goals are awarded in the Premier League. From the start of the 2025-26 season, all goal kicks will be converted automatically unless the ball crosses the goal line before the goalkeeper touches it with their hand or foot.
Finally, there will be a significant change to the way penalties are taken in the Premier League. Starting in the 2025-26 season, all penalty kicks will be taken by the player closest to the spot-kick taker, rather than the goalkeeper.
Overall, the English Premier League looks set to be a fantastic year for football fans, with plenty of exciting developments on the horizon. Whether you're a long-time supporter of your local team or a newcomer to the sport, there's never been a better time to get involved and enjoy the action.