Portsmouth - Queens Park Rangers
Last updated: Today, at Championship curtain-raiser at Fratton Park
The Championship season opens with Portsmouth hosting Queens Park Rangers at Fratton Park on 15 August 2026. Both sides come into this opening day fixture having played in the EFL Cup just a week prior. Portsmouth suffered a 3-1 defeat away to West Ham United, while Queens Park Rangers drew 1-1 at home to Millwall.
The expected starting lineups suggest a focus on midfield control for both teams, with Portsmouth potentially looking to Colby Bishop for attacking impetus. Queens Park Rangers, meanwhile, boast a midfield trio of Ilias Chair, Paul Smyth, and Harvey Vale, who will aim to provide service for forwards Richard Kone and Rumarn Burrell. The previous Championship encounter between these two sides saw Queens Park Rangers secure a dominant 6-1 victory on 21 March 2026.
