The English Premier League is about to kick off its new season, but first, there’s the FA Community Shield to get through.
This annual match takes place the week before the Premier League season begins, featuring the champions from the previous Premier League season competing against the FA Cup winners.
This year, the matchup is between Arsenal, the Premier League champions, and Manchester City, the FA Cup holders.
- Who: Arsenal vs Manchester City
- When: August 16th 10am Eastern Time
- Where: Principality Stadium (Cardiff, Wales)
- Channel: ESPN
- Streaming: DIRECTV (Try it for free)
Since both teams are in the Premier League, they typically meet at least a couple of times each season. Their last match was in April 2026, where Manchester City secured a 2-1 victory.
Today’s game serves as a rematch of the previous Community Shield, held in 2023, where Arsenal triumphed in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. City claimed the trophy the following year in an all-Manchester showdown.
Where can I watch Community Shield?
For viewers in the US, the FA Community Shield match can be streamed live on ESPN.
How to stream Community Shield for free in the US
If cable isn’t your thing, you’ll need a live TV streaming service to catch the FA Community Shield for free.
Personally, I find DIRECTV to be a solid option for watching live sports without cost upfront. It offers a 5-day free trial and a fantastic deal on your first month. The plan includes ESPN along with over 125 channels.
If you’re not quite ready for a full commitment but want to check out the game, Sling TV might be worth considering. They have a one-day pass for $4.99, giving you 24-hour access to everything in the Sling TV Orange package, including ESPN.
What is the FA Cup?
The FA Cup is a knockout football competition that takes place annually, open to all eligible clubs from the Premier League down to Level 9 in the English Football League System. It starts with 124 teams competing across eight rounds, gradually narrowing the field.
When does the 2026 Premier League season start?
The Premier League for the 2026-27 season is set to begin on August 21, 2026, and will conclude on May 30, 2027.
