Manchester City 2026 Preseason and Premier League Kickoff: Dates, Opponents, and Key Details

Manchester City are stepping into a fresh chapter as the 2026/27 season approaches, with Enzo Maresca taking over the reins following Pep Guardiola's ten-year spell. The team wrapped up Guardiola's final season by clinching both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup but fell short in the Premier League title race.

Maresca, formerly Chelsea's manager, now has the opportunity to shape a youthful squad that has seen significant player changes in the last year and a half. His first chance to influence the team will come during City's 2026 preseason matches.

2026 Manchester City Preseason Matches and Results

• Opponent: Inter Milan (Draw 1-1, lost 1-3 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 Details

The preseason began against Inter Milan—their opponents in the 2023 Champions League final—held in Hong Kong. Then, City traveled to Seoul for two matches: one against the K-League All-Stars and another facing Atletico Madrid. The Community Shield clash with Arsenal took place at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium due to a scheduling conflict with global artist The Weeknd.

Return of World Cup Players

Manchester City had 17 players participating in the World Cup, more than any other Premier League side. Those who exited early—during the group stage or Round of 32—had already rejoined training before the preseason tour. Notable names eliminated in the Round of 16 include Portugal’s Ruben Dias and Matheus Nunes, Belgium’s Jeremy Doku, and Egypt’s Omar Marmoush. All except Doku, who became a father during the tournament, joined the tour.

Players who advanced further, such as Erling Haaland and record signing Elliot Anderson, returned in time for the Community Shield. Captain Rodri, fresh off winning the World Cup, is absent due to scheduled back surgery in Spain and linked with a move to Barcelona.

First Five Premier League Fixtures for 2026/27

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

The league opener is set for August 23 at home against Bournemouth, a team also adjusting under new management. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. local time (9 a.m. ET). Before the international break starting September 21, City will play four additional league games, including the first Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

Before the league begins, the competitive season officially kicks off with the FA Community Shield against Arsenal on August 16.