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Arsenal returned for pre-season training on Monday as they begin their preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.
The Gunners go into the new term as Premier League champions and will be needing all the practice possible as they look to defend their divisional title for the first time since the mid-1930s.
With the World Cup only just drawing to a close, this is set to be a slightly shorter and quieter pre-season campaign for Mikel Arteta's side with just four matches booked in. They will also remain in Europe, having gone on an international tour prior to every term since the 2022/23 season.
Here is Arsenal's full confirmed 2026/27 pre-season schedule.
Arsenal's full 2026/27 pre-season schedule confirmed
Girona
The Gunners start their preparations with a trip to Catalonia as they take on recently relegated Segunda División club Girona.
Playing a weaker side, this fixture presents Arteta the perfect opportunity to rotate his team and hand out chances to players fighting for a spot in the squad as he waits for some of his top assets to return after resting after the World Cup.
It will be just the second time Arsenal have played Girona, having met in the 2024/25 Champions League league phase, running out 2-1 victors in Spain.
- When is kick off? Saturday 1 August, 2026
- What time is kick off? 19:00 BST
- Where is it played? Estadi Municipal de Montilivi
Real Betis
Arteta's side will face Spanish opposition, but won't be travelling as far as they face Real Betis in Dublin.
The game could see a reunion between Arsenal and their former right back Héctor Bellerín, who has played for the three-time Copa del Rey winners since 2023.
This will be the first meeting between the two sides as they have never encountered one another previously. The Gunners do have history with Betis' rivals Sevilla however, having played them four times.
- When is kick off? Wednesday 5 August, 2026
- What time is kick off? 19:30 BST
- Where is it played? Aviva Stadium
Borussia Dortmund
Arsenal will return home to take on Borussia Dortmund in the 2026 Emirates Cup for their third game of pre-season.
The Gunners will be facing the German side for the ninth time, having previously won four of their clashes with the eight-time Bundesliga champions.
Arteta's side will be looking to claim their 10th title, having won every edition since the tournament returned in 2022.
- When is kick off? Sunday 9 August, 2026
- What time is kick off? 14:00 BST
- Where is it played? Emirates Stadium
Como
The Gunners' final friendly will see them clash with Serie A side Como in a reunion with former player Cesc Fàbregas.
It will be the first time the Spaniard has returned to the Emirates since leaving Chelsea in 2019 and he will be hoping to cause an upset as his side prepares for their first ever European campaign after securing Champions League qualification last season.
This is set to be the first encounter between Arsenal and the Italian side.
- When is kick off? Wednesday 12 August, 2026
- What time is kick off? 19:30 BST
- Where is it played? Emirates Stadium
Manchester City
Okay, fans will argue all day about whether or not this is a glorified friendly or a genuine clash for silverware, but for the sake of it, we'll include it on this list.
As the Premier League champions, Arsenal will face Manchester City in the 2026 Community Shield having pipped them to the title last season. City will take part as last season's FA Cup winners.
The Gunners won their last Community Shield encounter with their title rivals, drawing 1-1 in the 2023 edition before winning 4-1 on penalties. Leandro Trossard scored a dramatic late equaliser after Cole Palmer had put the Cityzens in front.
- When is kick off? Sunday 16 August, 2026
- What time is kick off? 15:00 BST
- Where is it played? Millennium Stadium
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This article was originally published on paininthearsenal.com as Arsenal's full 2026/27 pre-season schedule confirmed.
