Match Preview
Watch Arsenal vs Manchester City in London on Sunday 16 August 2026, when the FA Community Shield kicks off the new season at 3pm BST, this year played away from its usual home at Wembley and switching to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff while Wembley is unavailable for pre-planned concerts. The traditional season curtain-raiser pits Premier League champions Manchester City against Emirates FA Cup winners Arsenal, giving London’s huge Arsenal fanbase a strong reason to find a screen for this one even though the match itself is being played in Wales rather than at Wembley this year. Cardiff’s national stadium has hosted the Community Shield before, between 2001 and 2006, and its 70,000-plus capacity should still produce a big-match atmosphere that comes through clearly on the broadcast. The fixture is the first proper occasion to see City and Arsenal’s new-look squads after a full pre-season, often previewing tactical setups and new signings ahead of the Premier League opener the following weekend. Coverage in the UK is on TNT Sports 1 and HBO Max, so check your sports bar has the right subscription before heading out, as this fixture sits outside Sky Sports’ usual football coverage. With a 3pm Sunday kick-off, it’s an easy watch to build an afternoon around at a London pub or dedicated football venue, and given the size of both fan bases — especially Arsenal’s strong London presence — popular sports bars are likely to fill up quickly. Book ahead if you want a guaranteed seat for Arsenal vs Manchester City in London this August.
