Community Shield date confirmed as Arsenal face Man City at new venue

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Arsenal will face Manchester City in the 2026 Community Shield at a new venue, with the FA confirming the fixture will take place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff rather than its traditional Wembley home.

The showpiece will kick off at 3pm BST on Sunday, August 16, marking the Gunners’ return to the Community Shield for the first time since 2023. Arsenal will be looking to lift the trophy for the 18th time in their history.

According to the Evening Standard, the match will move away from London for just the second time since 2013, with Cardiff’s 73,931-capacity stadium stepping in as host venue.

Familiar venue for Arsenal

The Principality Stadium is no stranger to the Community Shield, having hosted five consecutive editions between 2001 and 2006. Arsenal won two of those fixtures, giving the north London side positive memories of the venue.

The stadium typically serves as the home of Welsh rugby but will transform for football duties in August. The move represents a significant departure from the traditional Wembley setting that has become synonymous with the season curtain-raiser.

Broadcast and viewing details

TNT Sports will broadcast the match, with coverage also available via HBO Max. The fixture typically provides supporters with their first proper look at their teams ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

Both Arsenal and City are expected to undergo considerable squad changes during the summer transfer window, making the Community Shield an important early indicator of each side’s preparations.

City have become regulars in the showpiece, appearing in four of the last five editions. However, uncertainty remains over who will be managing the defending Premier League champions, with Pep Guardiola’s successor yet to be confirmed.

The Community Shield traditionally features the Premier League champions against the FA Cup winners, setting up this heavyweight clash between two of England’s top clubs. For Arsenal, it represents another opportunity to add silverware to their cabinet following their impressive Premier League campaign that secured FA Cup glory.

The fixture will formally launch the 2026/27 English football season, providing both teams with competitive match practice before the Premier League kicks off later in August.