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Manchester City 2026 Preseason and Early Season Schedule: Enzo Maresca’s First Steps

The 2026/27 season marks a fresh chapter for Manchester City, with Enzo Maresca stepping in after Pep Guardiola’s ten years in charge. City ended Guardiola’s era by securing both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, though they missed out on the Premier League title.

Maresca, who previously managed Chelsea, faces the challenge of shaping a squad that has seen significant changes over the past year and a half. His first real test will come during the preseason matches set for summer 2026.

2026 Manchester City Preseason Matches and Results

City kicked off their preseason tour in East Asia, starting on Tuesday, July 28, with a series of three games before concluding preparations with the Community Shield against Arsenal.

  • Opponent: Inter Milan (Draw 1-1; Inter won 3-1 on penalties)
  • Date: Saturday, August 1
  • Location: Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong
  • Kickoff Time (ET): 7:30 a.m.
  • Opponent: K-League All-Stars (Win 3-1)
  • Date: Wednesday, August 5
  • Location: Sangam Stadium, Seoul
  • Kickoff Time (ET): 7 a.m.
  • Opponent: Atletico Madrid (Win 3-1)
  • Date: Sunday, August 9
  • Location: Sangam Stadium, Seoul
  • Kickoff Time (ET): 7 a.m.
  • Opponent: Arsenal (Loss 0-3)
  • Date: Sunday, August 16
  • Location: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
  • Kickoff Time (ET): 10 a.m.

Preseason Venues and Context

Manchester City began their tour against last year’s Champions League final rivals, Inter Milan, in Hong Kong. The team then moved to Seoul, South Korea, where they faced the K-League All-Stars and Atletico Madrid.

The Community Shield was relocated to Cardiff’s Principality Stadium due to a scheduling conflict with a major concert by global artist The Weeknd.

Return of World Cup Players

City had 17 players involved in the World Cup, more than any other Premier League club. Those eliminated early, in the group stage or Round of 32, were back in training ahead of the preseason tour.

Players knocked out in the Round of 16, including Portugal’s Ruben Dias and Matheus Nunes, Belgium’s Jeremy Doku, and Egypt’s Omar Marmoush joined the tour except for Doku, who missed it due to becoming a father during the tournament.

Key players who progressed further, such as Erling Haaland and record signing Elliot Anderson, returned just in time for the Community Shield match.

World Cup-winning captain Rodri is absent due to scheduled back surgery in Spain and has been linked with a move to Barcelona after being named player of the tournament.

Start of the 2026/27 Premier League Campaign

Manchester City will open their league season at home against Bournemouth on Sunday, August 23. This match kicks off at 2 p.m. local time (9 a.m. ET). Bournemouth also have a new manager this season.

Following that, City will face four more league opponents before the first international break on September 21, including the season's first Manchester derby against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Before the league starts, City's first competitive match will be the Community Shield clash against Arsenal on August 16.

First Five Premier League Fixtures for Manchester City 2026/27

  • Date: Sunday, August 23 — Opponent: Bournemouth (Home)
  • Date: Friday, August 28 — Opponent: Crystal Palace (Away)
  • Date: Saturday, September 5 — Opponent: Coventry City (Home)
  • Date: Sunday, September 13 — Opponent: Manchester United (Away)
  • Date: Saturday, September 19 — Opponent: Sunderland (Home)

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