Arsenal pre-season fixtures and 2026 summer schedule

Arsenal have opted for a shortened pre-season programme ahead of the 2026-27 campaign after a demanding summer that saw several first-team players feature at the FIFA World Cup.

Mikel Arteta’s side are preparing to defend the Premier League title they won last season, but the club have deliberately delayed their return to competitive action to allow World Cup participants additional recovery time. FIFA guidelines recommend players receive at least three weeks’ rest following major international tournaments, while Arsenal also played 63 matches during the 2025-26 campaign.

Several key players remained involved until the closing stages of the World Cup, including Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi, David Raya and William Saliba.

Preparations have already begun behind the scenes. Arsenal opened their summer with a behind-closed-doors victory over MK Dons at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, where new signing Christos Tzolis registered an assist on his unofficial debut. Reiss Nelson, Ethan Nwaneri and academy prospect Ceadach O’Neill were all on the scoresheet, while goalkeeper Illan Meslier featured in the second half after replacing Kepa Arrizabalaga. At the time of writing, no other private friendlies have been confirmed.

Rather than embarking on a long-haul overseas tour, Arsenal have opted for a compact schedule featuring four public friendlies before facing Manchester City in the Community Shield.

Arsenal pre-season fixtures

1 August: Girona vs Arsenal – Estadi Montilivi, Girona (7pm BST)

5 August: Arsenal vs Real Betis – Aviva Stadium, Dublin (7.30pm BST)

9 August: Arsenal vs Borussia Dortmund – Emirates Stadium (2pm BST)

12 August: Arsenal vs Como – Emirates Stadium (7.30pm BST)

16 August: Community Shield – Arsenal vs Manchester City – Principality Stadium, Cardiff (3pm BST)

Read more – Saudi Pro League announce 2026-27 fixture schedule

Also see – Mertesacker lands senior German football role after Arsenal exit

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