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Arsenal 2026 Preseason: Schedule, Results, and Key Details

After a memorable Premier League triumph last season, Arsenal are setting their sights on the 2026/27 season. Following a demanding year that included reaching the Champions League final, the squad is in recovery mode, especially since many players represented their countries during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The heavy workload took a toll on the team, with injuries lingering into the summer tournament. Some players may need extra time to bounce back fully as preseason approaches.

Preseason Fixtures and Outcomes

  • Opponent: Girona | Result: Win 4-1 | Date: Saturday, August 1 | Location: Estadi Municipal de Montilivi, Girona, Spain | Kickoff: 2 p.m. ET
  • Opponent: Real Betis | Date: Wednesday, August 5 | Location: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland | Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. ET
  • Opponent: Borussia Dortmund | Date: Sunday, August 9 | Location: Emirates Stadium, London, England | Kickoff: 9 a.m. ET
  • Opponent: Como | Date: Wednesday, August 12 | Location: Emirates Stadium, London, England | Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. ET

Venues for Preseason Matches

Arsenal starts their preseason away in Catalonia against Girona, a club recently relegated to Spain's Segunda Division despite past Champions League appearances. Shortly after, they face Real Betis in Dublin, Ireland. The remaining two friendlies return to London, hosting Borussia Dortmund and Como at the Emirates Stadium. Como's visit is part of their own English tour before meeting Liverpool.

Return of World Cup Players

Many Arsenal players who competed in the World Cup will rejoin the squad at different times during preseason, depending on their recovery needs. Injuries sustained or worsened at the tournament mean some stars will sit out games to rest.

  • William Saliba is likely to miss substantial time due to a back injury aggravated during France’s run; he was substituted early in the semifinal against Spain.
  • Declan Rice has been managing nerve pain in his hamstring and might require a break before returning to full fitness.
  • Bukayo Saka appeared less than fully fit for England but denies any ongoing issues.

All Arsenal players involved reached at least the Round of 32 and are entitled to a minimum 21-day rest post-elimination. Players like Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres, and Piero Hincapie exited early and should return by late July. Brazilian duo Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli could be back in early August after reaching the Round of 16.

Martin Odegaard helped Norway reach the quarterfinals, so his return might come mid-August, possibly needing extra time to regain match sharpness. English semi-finalists Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke may not be ready until the third week of August, potentially delaying their season start.

David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino lifted the World Cup with Spain, granting them the longest rest period. Their availability might be pushed into late August or early September. Raya, as a backup goalkeeper, could return sooner if fit.

Start of the Premier League Season

Arsenal opens their defense of the Premier League title at the FA Community Shield on Sunday, August 16, facing Manchester City, last season’s FA Cup winners. The league campaign kicks off at home against newly promoted Coventry City on Friday, August 21.

Their first away match comes against Aston Villa on August 31, followed by a London derby hosting Chelsea on September 6.

First Five Premier League Matches

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

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