Arsenal 2026 Preseason and Early Season Plans: Dates, Opponents, and Player Updates
After clinching a memorable Premier League title last season, Arsenal is turning its attention to the 2026/27 campaign. The team aims to arrive refreshed despite many players returning from the intense 2026 FIFA World Cup, which has left some dealing with injuries or fatigue.
The Gunners endured a demanding previous season, capturing the league crown and reaching the Champions League final. This packed schedule led to wear and tear on key players, some of whom couldn’t fully recover before their World Cup duties.
Schedule and Results
- Opponent: Girona (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
Preseason Venues and Opponents
Arsenal opens preseason away in Catalonia against Girona, a club recently relegated from La Liga despite prior Champions League qualification. Shortly after, they face Real Betis in Dublin. The final two matches take place at home, welcoming Borussia Dortmund and then Como, who will play Liverpool shortly after.
World Cup Players’ Return Timeline
The squad’s reintegration will be staggered, with some players missing early matches to rest or recover from injuries sustained or worsened during the World Cup.
- William Saliba is set to miss a significant portion of preseason due to a back injury aggravated during France’s tournament run.
- Declan Rice may also require time off to address a lingering hamstring nerve issue developed over months.
- Bukayo Saka appeared less than fully fit for England and might need additional rest despite his own denials of injury.
All Arsenal players at the World Cup played at least until the Round of 32, guaranteeing a minimum 21-day break post-elimination. Those exiting earlier, like Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres, and Piero Hincapie, should return by late July. Players such as Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli exited in the Round of 16 and could be back by early August.
Martin Odegaard reached the quarterfinals with Norway and might rejoin training in mid-August, possibly needing a ramp-up period. Meanwhile, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke reached the semifinals with England, likely delaying their return until late August.
David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino, part of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad, could remain sidelined until late August or early September. Raya’s return might come earlier depending on his readiness, given his backup goalkeeper role.
First Matches of the 2026/27 Premier League Season
Arsenal starts its defense of the Premier League title with the FA Community Shield on Sunday, August 16, facing Manchester City, last season’s FA Cup champions.
Their league opener follows on Friday, August 21, hosting newly promoted Coventry City. Ten days later, they travel to meet Aston Villa, and on September 6, they host London rivals Chelsea in their third fixture.
First Five Premier League Fixtures
- Date: Friday, August 21 - Opponent: Coventry City - Home/Away: Home
- Date: Monday, August 31 - Opponent: Aston Villa - Home/Away: Away
- Date: Sunday, September 6 - Opponent: Chelsea - Home/Away: Home
- Date: Saturday, September 12 - Opponent: Sunderland - Home/Away: Away
- Date: Saturday, September 19 - Opponent: Brighton - Home/Away: Away
