Manchester City Preseason 2026: Schedule, Results, and Enzo Maresca's Plans
Manchester City are stepping into a fresh chapter for the 2026/27 season as Enzo Maresca takes over following Pep Guardiola's decade-long leadership. City secured both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in Guardiola’s final year but missed out on the Premier League title.
Maresca, formerly with Chelsea, now leads a youthful team that has seen significant roster changes during the last 18 months. The preseason tour will offer the first glimpse of his influence on the squad.
2026 Preseason Fixtures and Results
- Opponent: Inter Milan (Draw 1-1, Inter won 3-1 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.
Locations of Preseason Matches
The preseason kicked off against Inter Milan in Hong Kong, a rematch of the 2023 Champions League final. City then traveled to Seoul, South Korea, to face the K-League All-Stars and Atletico Madrid. Due to a scheduling conflict with pop star The Weeknd, the Community Shield against Arsenal was played at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
Return of World Cup Players
Seventeen City players took part in the World Cup, more than any other English club. Those eliminated early—at group stage and Round of 32—rejoined training ahead of the tour. Players who exited in the Round of 16, including Ruben Dias, Matheus Nunes, Jeremy Doku, and Omar Marmoush, joined the squad on tour except for Doku, who became a father during the tournament.
Players reaching the later stages, such as Erling Haaland and Elliot Anderson, returned in time for the Community Shield. The World Cup-winning captain Rodri is absent due to scheduled back surgery in Spain amid transfer speculation linking him to Barcelona.
Upcoming 2026/27 Premier League Start
Manchester City will open their league season at home against Bournemouth on Sunday, August 23, kicking off at 2 p.m. local time (9 a.m. ET). Following that, they have four more matches before the international break begins on September 21, including a key Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
Before the league starts, City will contest the FA Community Shield against Arsenal on August 16.
First Five Premier League Fixtures 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
