Man City 2026 Preseason and Premier League Start: Enzo Maresca's First Steps
Manchester City steps into a fresh chapter with Enzo Maresca taking over from Pep Guardiola after his ten-year tenure. Despite winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in Guardiola's final season, City missed out on the Premier League title.
Maresca inherits a youthful squad that has seen many changes over the last year and a half. His first real test will come during the preseason matches ahead of the new campaign.
2026 Preseason Tour Details and Results
The team began its preseason trip to East Asia starting Tuesday, July 28, concluding preparations with the Community Shield against Arsenal.
- Opponent: Inter Milan (Draw 1-1, lost 3-1 on penalties)
- Date: Saturday, August 1
- Location: Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong
- Kickoff: 7:30 a.m. ET
- Opponent: K-League All-Stars (Win 3-1)
- Date: Wednesday, August 5
- Location: Sangam Stadium, Seoul
- Kickoff: 7 a.m. ET
- Opponent: Atletico Madrid (Win 3-1)
- Date: Sunday, August 9
- Location: Sangam Stadium, Seoul
- Kickoff: 7 a.m. ET
- Opponent: Arsenal (Loss 0-3)
- Date: Sunday, August 16
- Location: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
- Kickoff: 10 a.m. ET
Where Were the Preseason Games Held?
City faced their 2023 Champions League final opponents, Inter Milan, in Hong Kong to kick off their preseason. Then they traveled to Seoul for games against the K-League All-Stars and Atletico Madrid. The Community Shield match versus Arsenal took place in Cardiff, moved due to a clash with a major concert by The Weeknd.
Return of World Cup Players
Manchester City had 17 players involved in the World Cup, the highest number among Premier League clubs. Those eliminated early returned to training before the tour started.
Players knocked out in the Round of 16 like Ruben Dias, Matheus Nunes, Jeremy Doku, and Omar Marmoush joined the tour, except Doku, who missed due to becoming a new father. Stars who went deeper, including Erling Haaland and Elliot Anderson, came back for the Community Shield.
World Cup-winning captain Rodri won't appear as he prepares for back surgery in Spain amid transfer links to Barcelona.
First Premier League Matches of 2026/27
The league kicks off with City hosting Bournemouth on Sunday, August 23 at 2 p.m. local time (9 a.m. ET). Bournemouth is also under new management this season.
Before the first international break on September 21, City will play four more league matches, including their opening Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
The competitive season starts with the FA Community Shield against Arsenal on August 16.
- 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
