FA Community Shield

Lore & Background

The Community Shield evolved from the Sheriff of London Charity Shield, introduced in 1898. The Football Association Charity Shield was created to replace it after leading amateur clubs became estranged from the FA. The inaugural match in 1908 was played between Manchester United and Queens Park Rangers; after a 1–1 draw, United won 4–0 in the replay. The format varied early on, including amateur versus professional matches. In 1930 the competition settled into its now-familiar format of league champions versus FA Cup winners. The match has been held at the start of the season since 1959. In 2002, the Charity Commission ruled that the FA had failed to fulfil its charitable obligations, leading to the competition being renamed the Community Shield. The first Community Shield under the new name was in 2002, but Arsenal lost to Liverpool 1–0.

In Their Own Story

The holders of the trophy are Crystal Palace, who won the 2025 edition. However, the defending champions did not qualify for this year's match. Crystal Palace were eliminated in the third round of the FA Cup and finished 15th in the Premier League during the 2025–26 season. Consequently, the spot went to the league champion and cup winner. The match is set for a Saturday afternoon on 16 August 2026 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Fans will witness Arsenal facing Manchester City in a clash that has recently seen City hold the upper hand with their April victory. The broadcast rights are secured by TNT Sports 1 and HBO Max for viewers in the United Kingdom, ensuring global access to this pre-season highlight.

Reader's Guide

The rules are generally the same as those of the Premier League, with a team of 11 starting players and 9 substitutes. Teams are permitted up to six substitutions. If the scores are level after 90 minutes, a penalty shootout decides the winner. If a team wins both the Premier League and the FA Cup, the runners-up from the Premier League will be the opposition.

Did You Know?

• Manchester United hold the record alone with 21 titles; Arsenal have 17.
• The highest scoring game was Manchester United's 8–4 win against Swindon Town in 1911.
• Brighton & Hove Albion did not win the 1910 Shield; they lost the replay to Aston Villa.
• Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Pat Jennings scored against Manchester United from his own penalty area in the 1967 Charity Shield, which ended in a 3–3 draw.