Arsenal 2026 Preseason: Schedule, Results, and Key Dates for the Gunners
After clinching a remarkable Premier League title last season, Arsenal is shifting focus toward the upcoming 2026/27 season. The squad aims to return refreshed, despite many players having represented their countries at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This means the team has several moving parts as they prepare for preseason training.
Last season pushed the players hard with a Premier League triumph and a run to the Champions League final. The heavy workload took its toll, leading to injuries that lingered into the World Cup period, leaving some players without full recovery time.
Below is a rundown of Arsenal's preseason matches, when World Cup participants might rejoin, and the start date of their new campaign.
Preseason Matchups and Locations
- Opponent: Girona (W 4-1)
- Date: Saturday, August 1
- Venue: Estadi Municipal de Montilivi, Girona, Spain
- Kickoff Time (ET): 2 p.m.
- Opponent: Real Betis
- Date: Wednesday, August 5
- Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
- Kickoff Time (ET): 2:30 p.m.
- Opponent: Borussia Dortmund
- Date: Sunday, August 9
- Venue: Emirates Stadium, London, England
- Kickoff Time (ET): 9 a.m.
- Opponent: Como
- Date: Wednesday, August 12
- Venue: Emirates Stadium, London, England
- Kickoff Time (ET): 2:30 p.m.
Details on Preseason Venues
Arsenal kicks off preseason away in Catalonia against Girona, a club recently relegated from La Liga despite a recent Champions League qualification. Shortly after, they face Real Betis in Dublin, Ireland. The following games bring them back home to London, where Borussia Dortmund and Como will visit the Emirates Stadium. Como will then continue their English tour by facing Liverpool.
World Cup Players’ Return Timeline
Several Arsenal players who featured in the World Cup are expected to rejoin the squad gradually during preseason. Some may miss time due to injuries worsened or sustained at the tournament.
Defender William Saliba aggravated a back injury while playing for France, forcing him off early in their semifinal loss to Spain. Midfielder Declan Rice managed a nerve issue in his hamstring throughout England's run but might need rest before returning. Bukayo Saka showed signs of fatigue but claims no injury problems.
All Arsenal’s World Cup players reached at least the Round of 32, ensuring a minimum rest period of 21 days after elimination. Early exits by Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres, and Piero Hincapie should see them back by late July. Brazilian duo Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli, out in the Round of 16, might return early August.
Martin Odegaard helped Norway reach the quarterfinals, likely delaying his return until mid-August, meaning he could be ready for the season opener but might need time to regain full match fitness. Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke reached the semifinals with England, possibly sidelining them until late August.
Players who won the World Cup with Spain – David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino – are expected to take the longest break, potentially delaying their Premier League returns until late August or early September. Raya might come back sooner since he was a backup goalkeeper, but it depends on his readiness.
Start of the Premier League Campaign
The season officially opens with the FA Community Shield on Sunday, August 16. Arsenal, as reigning Premier League champions, face Manchester City, winners of the FA Cup.
The league title defense begins Friday, August 21, at home against newly promoted Coventry City. Their first away game is against Aston Villa on August 31. An early London derby follows on September 6, hosting Chelsea in the third fixture.
First Five Premier League Matches for 2026/27
- Date: Fri, Aug. 21 - Opponent: Coventry City - Home/Away: Home
- Date: Mon, Aug. 31 - Opponent: Aston Villa - Home/Away: Away
- Date: Sun, Sep. 6 - Opponent: Chelsea - Home/Away: Home
- Date: Sat, Sep. 12 - Opponent: Sunderland - Home/Away: Away
- Date: Sat, Sep. 19 - Opponent: Brighton - Home/Away: Away
