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Arsenal face Manchester City in the 2026 Community Shield, a competition that used to be called the Charity Shield - here's why it changed its name
Jean-Philippe Mateta and Odsonne Edouard of Crystal Palace holding the Community Shield trophy
The Community Shield used to be known as the Charity Shield(Image: Getty Images)
Why the Community Shield isn't called the Charity Shield anymore:
The original name: The traditional season curtain-raiser was founded in 1908 as the FA Charity Shield. It operated under that name for nearly a century as a showcase match to generate money for good causes.
The 2002 rebrand: The fixture was officially renamed the FA Community Shield ahead of the 2002/03 English football season. The decision was made following an intervention by the Charity Commission regarding how the event was run.
Legal compliance issues: The regulator found that the Football Association had failed to comply with statutory requirements under charity law. Specifically, the FA faced criticism over a lack of transparency regarding gate receipts and significant delays in distributing funds.
Broadened social focus: Rather than facing legal sanctions, the FA opted to change the competition's name to reflect a wider scope. The new identity allowed the organisation to support grassroots football projects alongside registered national charities.
Ongoing charitable donations: Despite the name change, proceeds from the match continue to raise millions of pounds for good causes each year. Ticket revenue and commercial funds are shared among the 124 clubs that reached the FA Cup first round to support local community schemes.
The inaugural champions: Arsenal won the very first edition under the new Community Shield banner back in August 2002. The Gunners defeated Liverpool 1-0 at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium to lift the rebranded trophy.
2026 match: Premier League champions Arsenal and FA Cup winners Manchester City will battle it out for the 2026 Community Shield this Sunday, August 16. The marquee match is scheduled to kick off at 3pm as both clubs gear up for the new campaign.
Venue change: Sunday's clash will take place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff rather than at Wembley Stadium. The FA relocated the fixture to Wales because Wembley is hosting a series of pre-planned summer concerts.
How to watch: The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports, with coverage set to begin at 2pm. The Community Shield was removed from free-to-air TV in 2025, having previously been broadcast on ITV.
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