Hull City began 2026 with a 0–1 home defeat to Stoke City at the MKM Stadium on Thursday, 1 January. The Championship Matchday 25 fixture kicked off at 15:00 UTC under referee Craig Pawson, and the visitors held a 1–0 lead at half-time. The result handed Stoke all three points in the first league meeting of the calendar year between the two clubs.

For Stoke City, the away win at a direct mid-table rival was a significant boost in their push toward the top half of the Championship table. At Matc...