Ipswich Town began its 2026–27 Premier League return by playing Sunderland.
Ipswich hosted Sunderland on Saturday 22 August 2026 in its first league match after returning to the top flight. Ipswich won 2–1, making the comeback especially memorable for the club and its supporters.
The match was one of three opening-weekend fixtures involving promoted clubs. Coventry City visited Arsenal, Hull City hosted Manchester United, and Ipswich Town welcomed Sunderland. All three promoted teams therefore appeared in the opening round, but only Ipswich faced Sunderland.
Ipswich’s return followed a one-year absence from the Premier League. Coventry City had been away for 25 years, while Hull City returned after nine years, giving the new season three different promotion stories.