Overview
- The game kicks off at 15:00 BST on Saturday 22 August 2026 and will not be shown live on UK TV because of the long‑standing 3pm Saturday broadcast blackout.
- Ipswich arrive after a major summer overhaul reported at roughly £150m in transfers and stadium and training‑ground upgrades, with Gary O’Neil taking charge of his first competitive match.
- Sunderland kept most of the squad that finished seventh last season and added only a small number of players; they face a new scheduling test with Europa League fixtures this season.
- Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris confirmed winger Simon Adingra is ruled out, Thomas Meunier must pass a final fitness test to start, and defenders Nordi Mukiele and Omar Rekik are available.
- Multiple outlets published predicted lineups ahead of kick‑off, fans were warned about Portman Road’s move to full digital ticketing, international streaming is available on platforms such as Peacock and Stan Sport, and tipsters have produced betting tips including a Racing Post pick of Sunderland draw‑no‑bet.