Arsenal 2026 Preseason and Opening Fixtures: Dates, Locations, and Key Details

• Girona (W 4-1): Saturday, August 1 at Estadi Municipal de Montilivi, Girona, Spain; Kickoff at 2 p.m. ET
• Real Betis: Wednesday, August 5 at Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland; Kickoff at 2:30 p.m. ET
• Borussia Dortmund: Sunday, August 9 at Emirates Stadium, London, England; Kickoff at 9 a.m. ET
• Como: Wednesday, August 12 at Emirates Stadium, London, England; Kickoff at 2:30 p.m. ET

Following their historic Premier League triumph last season, Arsenal are gearing up for the 2026/27 campaign with a series of preseason matches. They start away against Girona, a club recently relegated from La Liga, before traveling to Dublin to face Real Betis. The Gunners then return home to London to host Borussia Dortmund and Como in friendly fixtures.

World Cup Players' Return and Fitness Concerns

The summer saw many Arsenal players representing their nations in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which complicates preseason preparations. Several key players arrived carrying injuries or fatigue. For instance, defender William Saliba aggravated a back problem during the tournament and is expected to miss significant time while recovering. Midfielder Declan Rice managed a nerve-related hamstring pain throughout the World Cup and may need rest before returning to full fitness. Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka appeared less than fully fit but denies any injury concerns.

Every Arsenal participant reached at least the Round of 32, guaranteeing them a minimum 21-day rest period post-elimination. Players like Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres, and Piero Hincapie exited earlier and might rejoin the squad by late July. Brazilian duo Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli reached the Round of 16, potentially returning in early August.

Martin Odegaard helped Norway reach the quarterfinals, so his return could fall in mid-August. England's semifinalists Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke may not be available until late August. Spanish World Cup winners David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino could have extended breaks, possibly missing the start of the league season. Raya might return earlier since he was a backup goalkeeper.

Arsenal's Early 2026/27 Premier League Fixtures

The season kicks off with the FA Community Shield on Sunday, August 16, where Arsenal, as reigning Premier League champions, face Manchester City, last season's FA Cup winners.

• August 21 (Fri): Coventry City (Home)
• August 31 (Mon): Aston Villa (Away)
• September 6 (Sun): Chelsea (Home)
• September 12 (Sat): Sunderland (Away)
• September 19 (Sat): Brighton (Away)

After the Community Shield, Arsenal open their league defense at home versus newly promoted Coventry City. They then travel to Aston Villa before hosting local rivals Chelsea. Early away games follow against Sunderland and Brighton.