The 2026 Community Shield, the traditional curtain-raiser to the Premier League season, will see Arsenal face Manchester City on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Cardiff's Principality Stadium. The match kicks off at 3pm BST.
This is the first time in 20 years the fixture will be played outside England, as Wembley Stadium is hosting The Weeknd. The Principality Stadium in Cardiff will instead host English football's two best teams: Premier League champions Arsenal and FA Cup winners Manchester City.
Why the new date and venue?
The new Premier League season has been pushed back by a week due to the extended 2026 World Cup, with all players allowed three weeks off between seasons. This shift also affects the Community Shield, which is traditionally played at Wembley.
Arsenal and Man City's Community Shield history
Arsenal are making their 25th appearance in the Community Shield, formerly known as the Charity Shield, and have won it 17 times. Manchester City are set for their 17th appearance, having won on seven occasions.
The last time Arsenal appeared as English top-flight champions in the Community Shield, the match was also played in Wales. The Millennium Stadium hosted the event for six years between 2001 and 2006, with Arsenal beating Manchester United 3-1 in 2004.
