Celtic kick‑off their 2026‑27 pre‑season on Thursday evening, taking on Shelbourne at 6 pm in the first live fixture on the brand‑new CelticPlayer platform. The Hoops arrive fresh from a 3‑1 win over Dunfermline on 23 May, sitting third in the Premiership with 67 points from 33 games and a perfect five‑match winning streak.

How can fans watch the match?

The game streams worldwide for anyone with a CelticPlayer subscription. Existing Celtic TV members automatically keep their access, but they must log in with the new Celtic FC Digital Account credentials. Those without an account can create one on the CelticPlayer site, then pick a subscription tier that suits their needs. The platform also links to the club app, e‑ticketing and online store, meaning one password opens everything.

What does the pre‑season test mean for Celtic?

Martin O’Neill’s side uses these friendlies to sharpen tactics ahead of a title race where they sit three points behind leaders Heart Of Midlothian. Scoring 59 goals and conceding 35 so far gives Celtic a +24 goal difference, a statistic that will be under the microscope as the squad seeks to improve defensive solidity. The Shelbourne clash offers a low‑pressure environment to trial new signings and give fringe players minutes.

Which players should fans watch?

Expect to see the likes of forward Kyogo Furuhashi leading the attack, while young midfielder Karamoko Dembélé may get a chance to impress. Defender Carl Starfelt, who featured in the recent 3‑1 victory, will likely anchor the back line as O’Neill experiments with different formations. The match also provides a platform for any new arrivals to gel with the first‑team core before the league campaign ramps up.

Where to find help if something goes wrong?

CelticPlayer’s support hub hosts a full FAQ section covering login issues, password resets and subscription queries. Fans can also reach out via the club’s official social channels for quick assistance. The club promises a smooth experience, but the FAQ link is handy should any hiccup arise during the live stream.

What’s next after Shelbourne?

After the Irish side, Celtic travel back to Glasgow for a behind‑the‑scenes training session before their next pre‑season opponent, a top‑flight English club, later in the week. The schedule aims to keep the squad sharp while the league table tightens. With a five‑game winning run (WWWWW) already under their belt, the Hoops hope to carry that momentum into the opening fixtures of the Premiership.

Key takeaway: Celtic’s first pre‑season match streams live on CelticPlayer at 6 pm Thursday, with easy access for existing and new subscribers. The game offers a glimpse of O’Neill’s preparations as the club chases the title, sitting three points behind Hearts and boasting a strong goal difference.