Arsenal 2026 Preseason Plans and Early Fixtures

Arsenal Preseason Matches and Schedule for 2026

After a remarkable Premier League victory last season, Arsenal is preparing for the 2026/27 campaign with hopes of maintaining their strong form. Their preseason will see a mix of returning players and those recovering from intense World Cup duties.

Preseason Opponents and Dates

• Opponent: Girona (Win 4-1)
• Date: Saturday, August 1
• Location: Estadi Municipal de Montilivi, Girona, Spain
• Kickoff Time (ET): 2 p.m.

• Opponent: Real Betis
• Date: Wednesday, August 5
• Location: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
• Kickoff Time (ET): 2:30 p.m.

• Opponent: Borussia Dortmund
• Date: Sunday, August 9
• Location: Emirates Stadium, London, England
• Kickoff Time (ET): 9 a.m.

• Opponent: Como
• Date: Wednesday, August 12
• Location: Emirates Stadium, London, England
• Kickoff Time (ET): 2:30 p.m.

Preseason Venues

Arsenal starts on the road in Catalonia against Girona, a club recently relegated despite past Champions League success. They then face Real Betis in Dublin before returning to London to meet Borussia Dortmund and Como at the Emirates Stadium. Notably, Como's trip to England also includes a match against Liverpool shortly after facing Arsenal.

Return of World Cup Players

The squad is juggling recovery and reintegration as several players took part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Many are expected to miss early preseason games due to fatigue or injuries sustained during international duty.

• William Saliba: Likely sidelined for an extended period following a worsened back injury sustained during France's World Cup run.
• Declan Rice: Nursing a nerve issue in his hamstring, which he managed through the tournament but may require rest now.
• Bukayo Saka: Appeared less than fully fit for England and might need extra recovery time despite denying injury.

Players exiting earlier in the tournament such as Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres, and Piero Hincapie are anticipated to return by late July. Those like Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli, who reached the Round of 16 with Brazil, could be available in early August.

Martin Odegaard helped Norway reach the quarterfinals, so a mid-August return is likely. Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, semifinalists with England, may join later in August.

Members of Spain's World Cup-winning squad — David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino — have the most rest time and might not be back until late August or even September. Raya's return could be sooner given his backup role but depends on his fitness.

Start of the 2026/27 Season

Arsenal opens their new campaign with the FA Community Shield on Sunday, August 16, facing Manchester City, last season’s FA Cup winners. Their Premier League title defense begins at home against Coventry City on Friday, August 21.

First Five Premier League Matches

• Date: Fri, Aug. 21 - Opponent: Coventry City - Home/Away: Home
• Date: Mon, Aug. 31 - Opponent: Aston Villa - Home/Away: Away
• Date: Sun, Sep. 6 - Opponent: Chelsea - Home/Away: Home
• Date: Sat, Sep. 12 - Opponent: Sunderland - Home/Away: Away
• Date: Sat, Sep. 19 - Opponent: Brighton - Home/Away: Away

This early schedule includes key matches against London rivals and newly promoted sides, testing Arsenal’s depth and readiness as they aim to defend their crown.