Celtic and Hearts face Scottish Premiership title showdown on final day in 2026

Hearts lead Scottish Premiership by one point ahead of Celtic Park finale, where defeat means title loss.

Title decider atmosphere Derek McInnes described the upcoming clash at Celtic Park as a scene of absolute chaos as Hearts prepare to chase history. The Edinburgh side has led the Scottish Premiership since September and currently sits a single point clear after 37 matches. Victory would secure their first league title since 1960. No club outside Rangers and Celtic has topped the table since Aberdeen in 1985, and this marks Scotland’s first final-day title battle between the top two since Rangers pipped the Dons in 1991. ## Celtic’s must-win scenario Celtic need a win to retain their crown and extend their streak to five consecutive titles. Stand-in manager Martin O’Neill suggested there is a fair possibility this could be his last game in charge, predicting an explosive atmosphere. McInnes labeled the midday encounter as pure spectacle, saying the players will deliver a performance worthy of the biggest stage. ## Broadcast details The kick-off at 12:30 BST will be broadcast live, with live audio commentary available from 11:30 on Sportsound. Real-time updates will stream on the official website and app. Match highlights will air on Sportscene and BBC Scotland from 19:15, also accessible via iPlayer. ## Recent team form Celtic enter the game on a high, chasing their seventh straight league win despite inconsistent displays. Hearts struggled before the league split, taking just one point from four away games, but responded strongly with three wins and a draw in their last four. The Edinburgh side remains unbeaten in three meetings with Celtic this term, including a 3-1 win at Tynecastle in October that ended Brendan Rodgers’ second spell in Glasgow. ## Head-to-head history Celtic aim for a 14th title in 15 years, already boasting 55 Scottish championships. Hearts last lifted the trophy 66 years ago, with agonizing near-misses in 1965 and 1986. In 1965, they missed out on goal average after a final-day showdown at home to Kilmarnock. The 1986 heartbreak came when Dundee substitute Albert Kidd scored twice in the final seven minutes at Dens Park, allowing Celtic to claim victory by thrashing St Mirren 5-0 on goal difference the same afternoon. ## Managerial journeys Martin O’Neill returned from retirement twice this season to rescue Celtic, having previously won seven trophies during his first stint from 2000 to 2005, including three league titles. After replacing Rodgers, he steered Celtic to five straight league wins to draw level with Hearts, then repeated the feat weeks later when Celtic were six points adrift with 20 games played. Derek McInnes guided Hearts to ninth place last season, two spots below their current rivals, and previously finished as Celtic’s runner-up three years consecutively at Aberdeen. Sir Alex Ferguson has been spotted supporting Hearts and remains in regular contact with McInnes. ## Refereeing scrutiny Don Robertson will officiate the match, supported by assistants Calum Spence and David Roome, while Kevin Clancy and Matthew MacDermid handle VAR duties. The recent penalty awarded to Celtic in their 99th minute against Motherwell has heightened debate, while Hearts were denied a spot-kick at Fir Park last weekend after referee Steven McLean upheld his decision after VAR review. McInnes pointed to glaring inconsistencies, but O’Neill dismissed concerns, claiming outside support for Hearts is driving the controversy. ## Key performers Callum McGregor stands as Celtic’s most decorated player with 24 major trophies, while James Forrest, likely to start on the bench, also boasts an extensive medal haul. Sweden international Benjamin Nygren has contributed 21 goals from midfield across all competitions, and Daizen Maeda has struck seven goals in his last five appearances. Hearts striker Claudio Braga, who played in Norway’s second tier last season, has already found the net twice against Celtic this campaign. Lawrence Shankland has matched that tally despite missing eight league games early in 2026 due to a hamstring injury. ## Manager quotes O’Neill said, 'The players have had things their own way in recent times, now they’ve had to fight, and so far they’ve shown that they’re up for it. They’re ready to go. If we can win, then somewhere along the way, I think we deserve to win it.' He added, 'It was a privilege to come back. I’d never thought in a million years that this could have happened. I should really be enjoying it a bit more.' McInnes stated, 'I’m not nervous, but dealing with nerves is part of professional sport, particularly when it gets to this stage. There’s been a lot of pressure on our lads for a long time now, but the players have dealt with it brilliantly. Regardless of what happens, it has been a brilliant campaign, but it could be the most special campaign.'