Manchester City 2026 Preseason and Early Season Plans Under Enzo Maresca
Enzo Maresca steps in as the new manager for Manchester City, taking over after Pep Guardiola's ten-year leadership. The previous season ended with City lifting both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, but they fell short of winning the Premier League title.
Maresca inherits a youthful squad that has seen significant changes over the last year and a half. His first opportunity to shape the team will be during the preseason matches leading into the 2026 campaign.
Manchester City Preseason Fixtures and Results
The team began their preseason tour in East Asia starting Tuesday, July 28. Their warm-up schedule includes several international friendlies before the season officially kicks off.
- Opponent: Inter Milan (Draw 1-1; Inter won 3-1 on penalties)
- Date: Saturday, August 1
- Venue: Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong
- Kickoff: 7:30 a.m. ET
- Opponent: K-League All-Stars (Win 3-1)
- Date: Wednesday, August 5
- Venue: Sangam Stadium, Seoul
- Kickoff: 7 a.m. ET
- Opponent: Atletico Madrid (Win 3-1)
- Date: Sunday, August 9
- Venue: Sangam Stadium, Seoul
- Kickoff: 7 a.m. ET
- Opponent: Arsenal (Loss 0-3)
- Date: Sunday, August 16
- Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
- Kickoff: 10 a.m. ET
Locations for Preseason Matches
The first game took place in Hong Kong against Inter Milan, who were City's opponents in the 2023 Champions League final. Following that, City traveled to Seoul for two games, first facing a K-League All-Stars side, then Atletico Madrid. The Community Shield against Arsenal was moved to Cardiff's Principality Stadium due to a scheduling conflict with a global music artist.
Return of World Cup Players
Manchester City had 17 players involved in the recent World Cup, more than any other English club. Players eliminated early from the tournament had already joined training ahead of the tour. This group included Portugal's Ruben Dias and Matheus Nunes, Belgium's Jeremy Doku, and Egypt's Omar Marmoush. Doku missed the tour as he became a father during the World Cup.
Those who advanced further, including star striker Erling Haaland and new signing Elliot Anderson, rejoined the squad for the Community Shield match. Captain Rodri, who won the World Cup, will not feature as he is scheduled for back surgery in Spain and has been linked with a move to Barcelona.
Upcoming Premier League Campaign
The 2026/27 league season kicks off at home against Bournemouth on Sunday, August 23, with kickoff at 2 p.m. local time (9 a.m. ET). Bournemouth also has a new manager this season. City will face four more league matches before the first international break starts on September 21, including the season’s initial Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
The competitive season actually begins earlier with the Community Shield versus Arsenal on August 16.
First Five Premier League Fixtures for Manchester City 2026/27
- Date: Sunday, August 23 - Opponent: Bournemouth - Home/Away: Home
- Date: Friday, August 28 - Opponent: Crystal Palace - Home/Away: Away
- Date: Saturday, September 5 - Opponent: Coventry City - Home/Away: Home
- Date: Sunday, September 13 - Opponent: Manchester United - Home/Away: Away
- Date: Saturday, September 19 - Opponent: Sunderland - Home/Away: Home
