Principality Stadium to host Community Shield for first time in twenty years

Daniel Bevan - Editor

Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.

Cardiff is set to host one of English football’s most recognisable fixtures next summer after confirmation that the 2026 FA Community Shield will be staged at the Principality Stadium.

The event, which is contested by the winners of the Premier League and the FA Cup, will mark competition’s return to the Welsh capital for the first time in 20 years.

The Football Association has confirmed that Wembley Stadium will be unavailable due to a programme of pre-arranged concerts, prompting organisers to relocate the traditional curtain-raiser of the football season.

The match will take place on Sunday 16 August, a week before the start of the new Premier League season, which is scheduled to begin over the weekend of 22 August.

The Principality Stadium hosted the Community Shield six times between 2001 and 2006 while Wembley underwent redevelopment.

With a capacity of more than 74,000, a UEFA five-star rating and a retractable roof, the venue offers a level of flexibility that few stadiums can match.

Gavin Marshall, Chief Financial and Operating Officer at the WRU, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming the FA Community Shield back to Principality Stadium.

“This fixture has a special place in the stadium’s history and to be hosting it again for the first time in 20 years is a tremendously proud moment for everyone here.

“Principality Stadium has built its reputation on delivering world-class events and creating truly special occasions for fans, and this is no different.

“We know from experience the atmosphere this stadium generates when it is at capacity, and we are fully committed to ensuring supporters of both clubs have an unforgettable experience on 16 August.

“This is exactly the kind of occasion this stadium was made for, and we cannot wait to welcome everyone to Cardiff.”