Ipswich Town’s previous Matchweek 1 top-flight victory before 2026–27 came in the 1993–94 season. Ipswich ended that long wait by beating Sunderland 2–1 at Portman Road in its 2026–27 opener.
Ipswich took the lead through Emersonn after a combination involving fellow summer signing Julio Enciso. Sunderland equalised with a direct free-kick by Nilson Angulo, but Ipswich claimed all three points when substitute Jack Clarke scored in the 90th minute against his former club.
The result had historical significance beyond the scoreline. It was Ipswich’s first opening-round win in the top division since 1993–94, linking the club’s return to the Premier League with a record from more than three decades earlier. Ipswich was one of three promoted clubs in the 2026–27 Premier League, alongside Coventry City and Hull City.