West Ham's most vital run of fixtures in 2026-27 Championship season examined as they hunt instant Premier League return

West Ham United's 2026-27 Championship fixtures have been released, and there is a lot to digest.

Full focus will be on recruitment for now, though with the fixtures for the season released, the Hammers have goals to aim for, and times to achieve them.

West Ham will start their season with an away clash against fellow relegated side Burnley on 16 August, and finish the campaign with a home encounter against Portsmouth.

Other notable fixtures to consider are the Boxing Day encounter with Norwich City, and of course the two derby fixtures against Millwall.

They will take place on 19 September and 20 February, with the away clash to come first.

However, there are various other fixtures that may hold a lot of importance for Nuno Espirito Santo's side.

Why so much will be riding on Wolves fixture

The Hammers will lock horns with Wolves on 20 April for the second time in the campaign, and it could prove to be one of the most pivotal games of the season.

They, too, will be eyeing an immediate return to the Premier League, and with it being the third-last game of the season, it has the potential to be a promotion decider.

Wolves have already made positive strides in the transfer market, signing Kieran Trippier from Newcastle and tying Andre down to a new deal despite interest from top-flight clubs.

Defeat in that game could be costly in itself, but even more so because the encounter after will see the Hammers travel to face Middlesbrough, another side expected to be in the race for promotion.

Depending on how tight it is at the top of the table come then, that Wolves encounter may make or break their season.

West Ham's worst run of fixtures is in December

As always with the Championship season, there comes a period in which a club will have to endure a string of tough games in a row.

And for West Ham, that period will fall over Christmas.

They start that run of fixtures with an away clash against Sheffield United and end it with an away encounter against Southampton, who were omitted from the play-offs last season as a result of the Spygate controversy.

In between they will face Middlesbrough, Bristol City, Birmingham and Norwich, several of whom will be expected to be in and around the top eight of the Championship.

Should West Ham have momentum heading into that month, it may prove to be crucial.