Ipswich Town met Sunderland in their first Premier League game after returning in 2026–27.
The match was played at Portman Road on Saturday, 22 August 2026. Ipswich won 2–1, beginning their comeback season with three points in front of their home supporters. Sunderland scored once but could not prevent the hosts from winning.
Ipswich returned to the Premier League after an absence of one year. Their promotion followed relegation from the top flight, making the opening-round fixture an immediate return to elite English football. Sunderland were also part of the 2026–27 Premier League lineup.
The opening round featured three promoted clubs: Coventry City, Ipswich Town and Hull City. Coventry lost to Arsenal, while Hull defeated Manchester United. Ipswich were the only promoted side among those three to win their first match against another promoted or established top-flight opponent by a one-goal margin.