Rangers F.C. currently holds the all-time lead in league victories against Celtic F.C., while Celtic maintains a superior record in Scottish Cup success as of the 2025/26 season. The most recent encounter took place on January 3, 2026, at Celtic Park, where Rangers secured a decisive 3-1 victory to tighten the title race in the Scottish Premiership. This storied rivalry, known globally as the “Old Firm,” is widely regarded as the most intense and culturally significant derby in world football, spanning over 135 years of competition. In this comprehensive guide, you will explore the historical roots of the rivalry, a detailed breakdown of head-to-head statistics, the trophy rooms of both Glasgow giants, and essential practical information for fans planning to attend a match at Ibrox or Celtic Park.
All-Time Head-to-Head Record
Rangers historically lead the head-to-head standings in the Scottish Premiership, having secured over 170 wins in major competitive matches compared to Celtic’s 160+. The two clubs have faced each other more than 440 times in official competitions, including the Scottish Cup and League Cup, where the margins remain incredibly thin.
While Rangers have historically dominated the league win-loss column, Celtic has enjoyed a highly successful period since the turn of the century, frequently narrowing the gap during their periods of domestic dominance. Every season adds four guaranteed league chapters to this record, alongside potential knockout tournament clashes that often decide the fate of the Scottish “Treble.”
Recent 2025/26 Season Results
The 2025/26 campaign has seen the momentum swing back toward Ibrox after a hard-fought series of matches across multiple competitions. On January 3, 2026, Rangers silenced the crowd at Celtic Park with a 3-1 win, a result that significantly impacted the top of the Premiership table.
Earlier in the season, the sides played out a tense 0-0 draw at Ibrox on August 31, 2025, demonstrating the defensive resilience of both squads. Celtic, however, found success in the League Cup semi-finals on November 2, 2025, defeating Rangers 3-1 after extra time to reach the final, proving that neither side can maintain total dominance for long.
Major Trophy Count Comparison
Rangers currently boast a world-record 55 league titles, alongside 34 Scottish Cups and 28 League Cups, totaling over 115 major domestic trophies. Their historical consistency throughout the 20th century established them as one of the most successful clubs in European football history.
Celtic remains hot on their heels, particularly in the Scottish Cup, where they hold the record for the most wins at 42. With 54 league titles and 21 League Cups as of early 2026, Celtic is rapidly approaching Rangers’ total trophy haul, fueled by their dominant run of titles in the 2010s and early 2020s.
Cultural Significance of Old Firm
The rivalry between Rangers and Celtic is more than just a sporting contest; it is a reflection of Glasgow’s complex social, political, and religious history. Traditionally, Rangers are identified with Protestantism and British Unionism, while Celtic is rooted in Catholic identity and Irish Republicanism.
While modern fans often focus purely on football, the atmosphere in the stands is still heavily influenced by these historical “ethnonational” divides. The match is a global event, drawing millions of viewers from supporters’ clubs in North America, Australia, and across Europe who feel a deep connection to their club’s cultural identity.
Iconic Old Firm Stadiums
Ibrox Stadium: Home of Rangers
Ibrox is a 50,000+ capacity stadium located in the Govan area of Glasgow, famous for its red-brick facade designed by Archibald Leitch. It is renowned for its intense, intimidating atmosphere and the iconic Bill Struth Main Stand, which is a protected category B listed building.
Celtic Park: Home of Celtic
Known affectionately as “Paradise,” Celtic Park is the largest football stadium in Scotland with a capacity of over 60,000. Located in Parkhead, the stadium is famous for the “Celtic Way” entrance and its immense vertical stands that create a wall of sound during European nights and derbies.
Key Players to Watch (2026)
For Rangers, the creative output of the midfield and the clinical finishing of Bojan Miovski have been central to their 2025/26 success. Captain James Tavernier remains a vital threat from right-back, continuing to provide goals and assists through his elite set-piece delivery.
Celtic relies heavily on the technical brilliance of Reo Hatate and the lightning pace of Daizen Maeda on the wings. Club captain Callum McGregor continues to act as the heartbeat of the team, dictating the tempo of matches and providing the leadership necessary to navigate the pressure of a derby day.
Tactical Evolution of the Derby
Under manager Danny Röhl, Rangers have adopted a more flexible, modern pressing system designed to disrupt Celtic’s build-up play from the back. This high-intensity approach was key to their January 2026 victory, forcing errors in the Celtic defensive line.
Celtic, led by Brendan Rodgers, continues to prioritize a possession-based “heavy metal” style, looking to stretch opponents through quick transitions and overloads on the flanks. The tactical battle often hinges on which midfield can better retain composure under the suffocating pressure of the opponent’s press.
Practical Information and Planning
Attending an Old Firm derby is a “bucket list” experience for football fans, but it requires significant planning due to extreme demand and security measures.
- Tickets: Almost exclusively sold to season ticket holders and members; general sale is virtually non-existent for this fixture.
- Matchday Prices: Official tickets range from £50 to £65, but hospitality packages can exceed £400.
- Transportation: Use the Glasgow Subway (Ibrox station) for Rangers games or the ScotRail train to Dalmarnock/Bridgeton for Celtic games.
- Stadium Entry: Gates typically open 90 minutes before kickoff; fans are advised to arrive early due to strict police cordons and security checks.
- Visitor Tips: Avoid wearing club colors (Green/White or Blue) in certain parts of the city on matchday to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has won more league titles, Rangers or Celtic?
As of 2026, Rangers lead with 55 league titles compared to Celtic’s 54. The gap has narrowed significantly over the last decade.
When is the next Rangers vs Celtic match?
The next scheduled meeting is on March 1, 2026, at Ibrox Stadium, a match that could decide the destination of the 2025/26 Premiership trophy.
Why is it called the Old Firm?
The term originated in the early 20th century to describe the two clubs’ dominance of Scottish football and their mutually beneficial commercial relationship.
Can I buy tickets for the Old Firm as a tourist?
It is extremely difficult. Your best chance is through official hospitality packages, as standard tickets are reserved for long-term season ticket holders.
What is the largest ever win in an Old Firm derby?
Celtic holds the record for the largest victory, a 7-1 win over Rangers in the 1957 Scottish League Cup Final.
Is the Old Firm derby dangerous for visitors?
While the atmosphere is intense and there is a heavy police presence, it is generally safe for neutral visitors who follow local advice and avoid inflammatory behavior.
Who is the all-time top scorer in this fixture?
Ally McCoist holds the post-war record for Rangers with 27 goals, while Henrik Larsson is Celtic’s modern-day leader with 15 goals.
How far apart are the two stadiums?
Ibrox and Celtic Park are roughly 4.5 miles apart, situated on opposite sides of the River Clyde in Glasgow.
Are away fans allowed at the matches?
As of 2026, away fan allocations have returned to approximately 5% of the stadium capacity following several seasons of disputes.
Which stadium has a better atmosphere?
Both are world-renowned; Ibrox is often cited for its intimidating, compact noise, while Celtic Park is famous for its scale and choral singing.
Final Thoughts
The rivalry between Rangers F.C. and Celtic F.C. remains the undisputed centerpiece of Scottish football and a premier spectacle in the global game. As of the 2025/26 season, the competition is as fierce as ever, with both clubs deadlocked in a high-stakes race for domestic supremacy. While Rangers currently hold a slight edge in total league titles (55 to 54), Celtic’s dominance in the Scottish Cup and their relentless pursuit of the “World’s Most Decorated Club” title keeps the stakes at a fever pitch.
Whether it’s a tactical masterclass at Ibrox or a thunderous afternoon at Celtic Park, the Old Firm derby transcends sport. It is a living piece of Glasgow’s history, evolving with every goal, every tackle, and every new generation of fans. As both teams look toward their next meeting in March 2026, the only certainty is that the world will be watching.
For more lifestyle Sports and cultural insights, explore our latest features:
Brighton vs Arsenal: The Complete Premier League Rivalry Guide
FC Barcelona vs Real Betis Lineups: Full Team News and Predicted XIs
Africa Cup of Nations Stats: The Ultimate Guide to AFCON History
PDC World Darts Championship Final: The Ultimate Guide
Read More on Devon Buzz