Goodison Park set for surprise men’s return as EFL club move cup fixture from their 148-year home

Goodison Park is set to host men's competitive football again in a surprise return to action during the opening weeks of the 2026/27 season.

Preston North End have moved their Carabao Cup first-round tie against Huddersfield Town away from Deepdale, with Everton's iconic former home stepping in as the alternative venue.

Everton's iconic former home set for surprise return in 2026

The Championship club have confirmed that their Carabao Cup meeting with Huddersfield will take place at Goodison Park on Saturday August 8th, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.

The temporary switch comes as work continues on the installation of a new hybrid pitch at Deepdale, Preston's home since 1878.

More than £1.5 million is being invested in the new playing surface and with the club determined to avoid any potential issues after such a significant project, permission was sought to stage the cup tie away from PR1.

Our Carabao Cup First Round tie against Huddersfield Town will be hosted at Goodison Park. 🏟️

Full ticket details will be announced in the coming days. 🎟️#pnefc

— Preston North End FC (@pnefc) July 7, 2026

The new pitch is expected to be ready in time for Preston's first home Championship fixture of the season against Wolves on Saturday August 22th.

Goodison Park had been Everton's home until the club moved to Hill Dickinson Stadium ahead of the 2025/26 season, with the Toffees' women's team subsequently becoming the primary occupants of the historic ground.

Preston's clash with Huddersfield will therefore provide a rare opportunity for Goodison to host a men's competitive fixture once again, albeit as a one-off occasion away from its traditional association with Everton's men's side.

FGG says: This offers fans rare chance to experience iconic ground again

It will be great to see Goodison Park back in the men's game, even if only for a one-off cup fixture between two visiting clubs.

The ground remains one of English football's most historic venues, and the switch gives Preston and Huddersfield supporters a rare opportunity to experience a stadium they may have thought had hosted its final men's competitive match.

With Goodison now beginning a new chapter, occasions like this can only help keep its footballing legacy alive.