Arsenal face Manchester City in Community Shield on Aug. 16

Arsenal will face Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. The match serves as the traditional curtain-raiser for the new English football season, pitting Premier League champions Arsenal against FA Cup winners Manchester City. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. BST.

The fixture marks the first major silverware opportunity of the campaign. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta stated on Friday that his squad has returned refreshed and motivated after ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League title last season. "It's the Community Shield, it's a trophy, one that we can have because we earned it last year from winning the Premier League," Arteta told reporters. "You can tell how hungry the players are, which is a good sign."

Arsenal have strengthened their squad during the close season with key additions, including midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United, forward Christos Tzolis, and goalkeeper Illan Meslier. However, the team faces some injury concerns. Defender William Saliba is a long-term doubt, and Jurrien Timber is not yet available. Midfielder Declan Rice and winger Bukayo Saka, who were involved in...