Overview
- The fixture is confirmed for Sunday 18 October 2026 with a 3pm kick-off at Celtic Park and live coverage on Sky Sports Football plus streaming on Sky Go, NOW and CelticPlayer.
- The Scottish FA has appointed David Dickinson as referee with a full officiating team and VAR panel named for the match.
- Celtic arrive with defensive fitness doubts after a 4-1 loss to Benfica in the Europa League and have doubts over Cameron Carter‑Vickers and other defensive selections.
- Hearts come off a 1-1 Conference League draw and previews and betting markets expect a tight, low-scoring game with several tipsters predicting a draw.
- This is the first meeting since Celtic’s late title-clinching win in May and the result will affect momentum, fan atmosphere and the early-season table race for both clubs.