Community Shield Heads to Cardiff as Wembley Hosts Concerts
The 2026 Community Shield will take place at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium for the first time in two decades, as Wembley Stadium remains unavailable due to concerts by The Weeknd. This iconic match, traditionally held at Wembley, is scheduled for August 16, a week prior to the Premier League's kickoff on August 22. The Football Association confirmed that Wembley will be occupied by The Weeknd’s performances from August 14 to 19, prompting the venue switch for the match between the Premier League champions and FA Cup winners. Historically, Principality Stadium has hosted the Community Shield six times from 2001 to 2006 during Wembley’s renovation. During that period: Liverpool and Arsenal each secured two titles. Manchester United and Chelsea also claimed victory in 2003 and 2005, respectively. The 74,500-capacity Principality Stadium is set to also host the opening match of Euro 2028, which England, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales will co-host. Since its return to Wembley in 2007, the Community Shield has seen venue changes twice: to Villa Park in 2012 for the Olympics and to King Power Stadium in 2022 due to the Women’s European Championship final, won by the Lionesses.
Source: The Independent Sport - 2026-03-23