Jupiler Pro League kicks off this weekend: Spotlight on Matchday 1

Your weekends have felt way too long for the past eight weeks. But starting this Friday, boredom is over. Much to your partner’s dismay. The Jupiler Pro League returns after a two-month break. While the new season was symbolically launched with the Belgian Supercup—won by Club Brugge against Union—the real action kicks off on Friday.

Champions for the first time in 90 years, Union Saint-Gilloise will begin their title defense away at Antwerp. It’s the opening match of the 2025–2026 campaign.

This final season with playoffs—before the return to a traditional 18-team league—promises an intense title race. The Brussels side, a hungry Club Brugge, and an Anderlecht team desperate to end a 9-year drought will all be in contention.

At Golden Vegas Sport, we break down a first matchday that already offers exciting fixtures in this long marathon of 30 regular season games and 10 playoff clashes. Guessing the future champion? Still anyone’s guess.

*Odds may be subject to change. Event ends July 25 at 8:45 PM.

Antwerp in the dark

The first match should shed some light on Antwerp’s current state. At the end of a cycle and with reduced financial means, Matricule 1 showed it has stepped down a notch by failing to recruit Charleroi’s head coach Rik De Mil. Quite a downgrade for the 2023 champions.

Without Toby Alderweireld, who retired, and Tjaronn Chery, who returned to NEC Nijmegen, the Bosuil squad doesn’t seem equipped to fight for a top-6 spot. The appointment of Stef Wils as head coach has also raised eyebrows—especially since no reinforcements have been brought in.

“We’re too thin at the back. Marc Overmars and Sven Jaecques are aware—it’s a weak spot,” Wils admitted. The club from the Diamond City will be tested right away against Union, where Adem Zorgane has replaced Noah Sadiki. Could Antwerp be the first surprise of the Jupiler Pro League?

*Odds may be subject to change. Event ends July 25 at 8:45 PM.

A first for La Louvière against Standard

This Saturday, all eyes will be on the Easy Arena. La Louvière is set to make its Jupiler Pro League debut after securing promotion from the Challenger Pro League on the final matchday.

The Wolves return to the top flight in the best possible season. Thanks to the league reform, no team is guaranteed to be relegated. The bottom team will get a chance to stay up in a playoff against the D2 playoff winners.

With less pressure, Fred Taquin’s squad will play freely in their opening prestige clash against Standard. In Sclessin, everything has changed. Ivan Leko has moved to Gent. Mircea Rednic arrived alongside new sporting director Marc Wilmots. Will these new-look Rouches hit the ground running in this Walloon derby?

*Odds may be subject to change. Event ends July 26 at 8:45 PM.

A European-style Sunday for Anderlecht and Charleroi

Sunday will have a distinct European feel. In addition to the headline clash between Club Brugge and Genk—last season’s top two in the regular phase—our other Walloon clubs will also take the stage.

Fresh from their European outings on Thursday, to Hammarby and Häcken respectively, Charleroi and Anderlecht will kick off their domestic campaigns at Leuven and at home against Westerlo. Fatigue will surely be a factor.

The Mauves can’t afford to slip up at Lotto Park against the Campine side. A poor start could already put Besnik Hasi under pressure. Do you see the Brussels team winning easily, or could Westerlo spring a surprise?

*Odds may be subject to change. Event ends July 27 at 1:30 PM.

Enjoy a BetXtra boost when betting on Matchday 1 of the Jupiler Pro League.