York City return to EFL with Bristol Rovers clash
Promoted York City begin their 2026-27 League Two campaign at home to Bristol Rovers after a decade away from the Football League.
After a decade-long absence, York City are officially back in the English Football League. The Minstermen will mark their return to League Two with a home fixture against Bristol Rovers on Saturday, 15 August.
The promotion was secured in dramatic fashion last season, with a 103rd-minute equalizer against rivals Rochdale in the campaign's final game. Both teams surpassed the 100-point mark in the National League, setting the stage for a high-stakes promotion race that went down to the wire.
Rochdale, who secured their own promotion via the play-offs, will start their League Two journey with an early kick-off away at Newport County. The Dale enter the new season with Ian Watson at the helm, following the departure of Jimmy McNulty.
The opening day also features several managerial debuts across the league. Peter Cklamovski begins his tenure at Salford City with a home match against Barnet, while former Huddersfield boss Lee Grant will lead Walsall in an away trip to Gillingham.