Overview
- The FA Community Shield kicks off at 15:00 BST on Sunday, 16 August 2026 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff and is being broadcast on TNT Sports in the UK and ESPN/Fubo with HBO Max streaming in some markets.
- Mikel Arteta confirmed Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice have returned to training and will be available to feature for Arsenal, while William Saliba and Jurrien Timber remain sidelined with injury.
- Manchester City will be without Rodri as he continues recovery from back surgery, Erling Haaland is being eased back after a heel issue but was described as 'ok' by Enzo Maresca, and new signing Elliot Anderson is expected to feature.
- Arsenal’s summer signing Bruno Guimarães is set for his first start in Gunners colours and both clubs will use the match to assess how new midfield additions change control and tempo.
- Beyond the trophy, the game is being watched as a season barometer: it is Maresca’s first competitive match in charge of City and it will give an early read on squad depth, player load management after the World Cup and how each side handles missing starters.