Arsenal and Manchester Metropolis meet within the 2026 FA Group Protect to formally kick off the English soccer season earlier than the Premier League marketing campaign will get underway. The conflict will happen on the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, with kickoff set for 3:00 p.m. BST (10:00 a.m. ET) on Sunday, August 16.
Each golf equipment earned their place in Cardiff by successful main home honors. Arsenal enter because the reigning Premier League champions following a commanding 2025–26 marketing campaign, whereas Manchester Metropolis claimed the FA Cup to safe their spot.
This matchup marks a big turning level for Manchester Metropolis. After a decade of dominance beneath Pep Guardiola, the Residents will probably be taking part in their first official match beneath new supervisor Enzo Maresca. Maresca is anticipated to introduce a possession-dominant, high-tempo system that can face a right away take a look at in opposition to Mikel Arteta’s extremely disciplined Arsenal aspect.
Due to a scheduling battle at Wembley Stadium—which is internet hosting The Weeknd from August 14 to 19—the match was moved to Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. It’s the first time the Group Protect has been performed in Cardiff since 2022.
Arsenal confirmed lineup
Mikel Arteta has formally confirmed his lineup, with the Gunners boasting sturdy squad continuity. Arsenal will depend on their established core, although pre-season health and late returns from summer season worldwide tournaments having an affect on the ultimate XI.
Confirmed XI (4-3-3): Raya; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Lewis-Skelly, Guimaraes; Madueke, Havertz, Tzolis.
Manchester Metropolis confirmed lineup
Enzo Maresca’s first aggressive lineup as Manchester Metropolis supervisor is a mixture of established stars and new faces.
Projected XI (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Kovacic, Anderson, Semenyo; Foden Haaland, Doku.
