Archive · 16 Aug 2026
Community Shield 2026: Arsenal Face Manchester City in Cardiff
On Sunday, two famous soccer teams, Arsenal and Manchester City, will play a special match called the Community Shield, which starts the new season.
The match is happening in Cardiff, Wales, because the usual stadium in London was not available.
Arsenal won the league title last season, so they are the league champions, and Manchester City won the FA Cup.
Manchester City has a new coach named Enzo Maresca, and this will be his first big match in charge.
Some players are hurt or still getting back to fitness, so both teams cannot play all of their best players.
Arsenal's defender William Saliba has a back problem, and City's midfielder Rodri is recovering from back surgery.
Arsenal bought a new player named Bruno Guimaraes, and he might play his first big game for them.
The two teams have played each other many times, and Arsenal has won the most games overall.
The last time they played, Manchester City won 2-1.
Fans are excited to see who will win the first trophy of the season.
Arsenal meet Manchester City in the Community Shield at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Sunday 16 August.
The match is Enzo Maresca's first competitive game in charge of City after replacing Pep Guardiola.
Arsenal are without William Saliba (back) and Jurrien Timber (groin), with Cristhian Mosquera set to partner Gabriel in defence.
New signing Bruno Guimaraes is in line for his full competitive debut, while Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are likely to start on the bench.
City are missing Rodri after back surgery, and Erling Haaland may begin on the bench after returning to training.
- Who
- Premier League champions Arsenal and FA Cup holders Manchester City
- What
- The 2026 Community Shield season curtain-raiser between Arsenal and Manchester City
- When
- Sunday 16 August 2026, kicking off at 14:00 GMT (10 AM ET / 7:30 PM IST)
- Where
- Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, after Wembley was unavailable
- Why
- It is the traditional match between the Premier League champions and FA Cup winners that opens the new season, giving Arsenal a chance to show they can defend their title and Maresca his first competitive game as City boss
Arsenal Perspective
Manchester City Perspective
Significance of the Community Shield
Arsenal Perspective
A chance to show they can defend their title and claim early bragging rights.
Manchester City Perspective
Some regard the Shield as second-tier silverware, but it serves as a precursor to the season.
- Competition
- Community Shield
- Teams
- Arsenal vs Manchester City
- Date & kick-off
- Sunday 16 August 2026, 14:00 GMT (10 AM ET / 7:30 PM IST)
- Venue
- Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales (Wembley unavailable)
- Head-to-head
- 217th meeting; Arsenal lead 100 wins to City's 67
- Last meeting
- Manchester City won 2-1 at the Etihad in April
- Key absences
- Arsenal: Saliba (back), Timber (groin); City: Rodri (back surgery)
- Notable signing
- Bruno Guimaraes, £75m from Newcastle United, set for competitive debut
