Why the Community Shield Match Won't Be Held at Wembley

Arsenal and Manchester City are gearing up to open the 2026-2027 English football season when they meet in the Community Shield, which pits the Premier League champion against the FA Cup winner, on August 16.

Arsenal has secured its place in the match after being crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years under manager Mikel Arteta, finishing the season at the top of the table, four points clear of their nearest rivals, clinching the title with one round to go.

Meanwhile, Manchester City has qualified for the Charity Shield after clinching the FA Cup title for the eighth time in their history, following their 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the final held at Wembley Stadium on May 16.

The match will not be held this year at Wembley Stadium, as is customary, but will instead take place at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, due to Wembley’s unavailability. Wembley will host a series of concerts by Canadian singer The Weeknd from August 14 to 19, alongside the postponement of the Premier League start by one week due to adjustments made to the new season's schedule.

This marks the first time the Community Shield returns to Cardiff since 2006, after the Millennium Stadium – now known as the Principality Stadium – hosted five consecutive editions of the tournament between 2001 and 2006, during the redevelopment of Wembley Stadium, with Arsenal winning two of those titles.