AFC Bournemouth are an English football club competing in the Premier League, with the 2026/27 season also bringing their first UEFA Europa League campaign. Known as the Cherries, they play at Vitality Stadium and enter the season under head coach Marco Rose. This guide covers the club, its squad and the wider season context.
AFC Bournemouth have moved beyond the survival-focused narrative that accompanied their early Premier League seasons. Their sixth-place finish in 2025/26, with 57 points, secured a place in European competition for the first time. The challenge in 2026/27 is to balance the domestic schedule with the demands of playing in Europe. For the wider league picture, see our Premier League 2026/27 season preview.
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AFC Bournemouth overview
| Club information | Details |
| Full name | AFC Bournemouth |
| Nickname | The Cherries |
| Founded | 1899 (originally Boscombe Football Club) |
| Home ground | Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth |
| Head coach for 2026/27 | Marco Rose |
| Competitions in 2026/27 | Premier League and UEFA Europa League |
Bournemouth were founded in 1899 as Boscombe Football Club and adopted the AFC Bournemouth name in 1971. Their nickname, the Cherries, is associated with the club’s red shirts and the area around their historic Dean Court home. The team first reached the Premier League in 2015 and returned in 2022 after two seasons in the Championship. The 2025/26 campaign added a new chapter with their first qualification for European football.
Marco Rose and Bournemouth’s playing style
Marco Rose took charge before the 2026/27 season after Andoni Iraola moved to Liverpool. Rose has previously coached RB Salzburg, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig. His teams are associated with energetic pressing and quick attacking transitions, making the change in management particularly relevant to Bournemouth’s tactical approach. Keeping that intensity across the Premier League and Europa League is a central challenge for the squad.
Bournemouth’s football has also depended on sharp movement between midfield and attack. Alex Scott helps connect play, while Evanilson provides a central attacking option and Justin Kluivert and Marcus Tavernier offer different ways to support him. The balance between winning the ball high up the pitch and remaining organised after losing possession matters against stronger opponents. Rose can adapt the formation and player roles to meet the demands of different opponents.
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AFC Bournemouth squad and 2026/27 transfers
AFC Bournemouth’s 2026/27 squad includes goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, defenders Antonio Silva and Adrien Truffert, midfielders Alex Scott and Lewis Cook, and forwards Evanilson, Justin Kluivert and Marcus Tavernier. The mix of established players and new arrivals gives Rose options across defence, midfield and attack. Squad selection changes with injuries, suspensions and the demands of different competitions. The club will need contributions beyond its regular starters while managing European fixtures.
Summer transfers brought Antonio Silva from Benfica, Juanlu Sánchez from Sevilla and Álvaro Rodríguez from Elche. Silva joined after Marcos Senesi left for Tottenham Hotspur, while Rodríguez provides competition in attack. Those are confirmed changes rather than a list of possible reinforcements. The squad’s development can be assessed through performances over the season without assuming any particular finishing position.
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Bournemouth fixtures, results and the Liverpool match
Bournemouth’s Premier League fixture list includes home matches against Liverpool and other established top-flight clubs, alongside away trips across England. The meeting with Liverpool at Vitality Stadium is among their league fixtures this season. Dates and kick-off times can change, especially with European and domestic cup commitments. Follow our Premier League fixtures guide for match dates and kick-off times.
Recent results can help explain how the squad is adapting, but a live league table belongs on a continuously maintained results page. Bournemouth also play Europa League matches in 2026/27, adding another competition to their calendar. That makes recovery, rotation and squad availability important topics throughout the season. Match reports and the latest fixture information provide the detail as each game is played.
Following Bournemouth in the Premier League
AFC Bournemouth’s 2026/27 campaign combines Premier League football with a new European challenge. Matches against direct league opponents and larger clubs will show how the squad adapts to that schedule. For available football fixtures and markets, visit SportPesa South Africa soccer. Only adults aged 18 or over should bet, and betting should be treated responsibly.
Frequently asked questions
Who manages AFC Bournemouth in 2026/27?
Marco Rose became Bournemouth head coach ahead of the 2026/27 season, replacing Andoni Iraola.
Where do AFC Bournemouth play their home matches?
The club play at Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, England.
Are Bournemouth playing in Europe in 2026/27?
Yes. Their sixth-place Premier League finish in 2025/26 qualified them for the UEFA Europa League.
Conclusion
AFC Bournemouth enter 2026/27 with a new manager, confirmed summer signings and a first Europa League campaign. Their club profile is built around the Cherries’ history, Vitality Stadium and the players shaping the squad. Follow the latest fixtures and results for match information as the campaign continues.
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