Mark your calendars. The first Old Firm clash of 2026 is set for Saturday at Celtic Park, kicking off at 7:30 a.m. ET. Fans can catch every moment live on CBS Sports Network. This year’s matchup carries a unique tension; both teams not only have new managers but, for the first time in a long while, another club leads the Scottish league heading into the New Year.
Watching the Match: Key Details
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 3 | Time: 7:30 a.m. ET
- Location: Celtic Park — Glasgow, Scotland
- TV: CBS Sports Network
- Odds: Celtic -105; Draw +290; Rangers +290
To find the last time a team other than Celtic or Rangers topped the league table, you need to go back to 1985. That year, Sir Alex Ferguson’s Aberdeen claimed the title. Fast forward to now, and Hearts sits atop the table, propelled by strong performances on set pieces. They currently lead Celtic by three points, with the Bhoys looking to close the gap under new manager, Wilfried Nancy.
Hired on December 4 from the Columbus Crew, Nancy’s transition hasn’t been easy, recording only one win in five matches. Notably, Celtic fell short against St. Mirren in the Scottish League Cup final, marking a missed opportunity for silverware.
The pressure is rising. Celtic has won the league for four consecutive seasons, and the threat of losing that streak looms large. The fact that their biggest rivals, Rangers, are coming up on the schedule adds to the urgency. During a recent press briefing, Nancy appealed for patience, but in football, time is a luxury that few can afford.
“In context, I knew this kind of situation could happen. I need time. Give me time, and you will see my team. You are going to see what I am going to do because you can see already what I did before,” Nancy shared during an almost seven-minute address.
He has previously turned around teams like CF Montreal and the Columbus Crew, but the stakes in Scotland are uniquely high. His challenge now includes a mid-season overhaul without any pre-season training, while also aiming for success in both league play and the Europa League. The added challenge of managing a club with Celtic’s history only intensifies the pressure.
The Old Firm rivalry isn’t just about points; it’s about pride. With 488 encounters since 1888, both clubs have tallied 171 victories apiece. Regardless of a team’s season performance, a win in this fixture serves as a morale-booster, while a loss can lead to significant repercussions, including coaching changes.
Celtic’s history of swift managerial decisions raises the stakes for Nancy. Though he entered the job with strong accolades, a poor showing against Rangers could prompt further changes. Recently, Celtic has bolstered the squad with the loan of right back Julian Araujo from Bournemouth. However, just like Nancy, Araujo will need to swiftly make a mark on the team to justify his move.
Everything is riding on the outcome this Saturday. For Nancy, securing his second win in charge could be critical for his future at Celtic, making this one of the most consequential matches early in 2026.
