RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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The 2026 Community Shield is being played at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium for the first time in 20 years due to the match clashing with The Weeknd ’s tour dates at Wembley.
The match between the Premier League champions and FA Cup winners, which this year pits Arsenal against Manchester City, is traditionally played at Wembley, but the iconic stadium was unavailable on Sunday 16 August “due to pre-planned concerts”, as revealed by the FA back in March.
The Weeknd is playing five dates at Wembley between 14 and 19 August, with “The Home of Football” being chosen to stage his London performances.
The forced change has brought the Community Shield back to the venue that hosted six editions between 2001 and 2006 while the new-look Wembley was under construction.
"We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming the FA Community Shield back to Principality Stadium,” said Welsh Rugby Union chief financial and operating officer Gavin Marshall. “This fixture has a special place in the stadium's history and to be hosting it again for the first time in 20 years is a tremendously proud moment for everyone here.
The last Community Shield held in Cardiff was won by Liverpool in 2006 (Getty Images)
"Principality Stadium has built its reputation on delivering world-class events and creating truly special occasions for fans, and this is no different.
“We know from experience the atmosphere this stadium generates when it is at capacity, and we are fully committed to ensuring supporters of both clubs have an unforgettable experience on 16 August. This is exactly the kind of occasion this stadium was made for, and we cannot wait to welcome everyone to Cardiff."
Liverpool and Arsenal both lifted two titles during the match’s six-year stint in the Welsh capital, while Manchester United and Chelsea also triumphed in 2003 and 2005 respectively.
The 74,500-capacity Principality Stadium will also stage the opening match of Euro 2028 , which is being co-hosted by England, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Since returning to Wembley in 2007, the Community Shield has moved twice - to Villa Park in 2012 due to the Olympics and the King Power Stadium in 2022 as the national stadium hosted the Women's European Championship final, which was won by the Lionesses.
The season’s “curtain-raiser” between Arsenal and City will take place five days before the Premier League campaign begins on Friday 21 August, which will see Mikel Arteta’s defending champions host newly-promoted Coventry.
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