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How to Watch EVERY Arsenal Pre-Season Match Live
Arsenal Pre-Season 2026: Your Complete Guide to Matches & How to Watch
Welcome to the New Season!
Hey there, Gunners fans! The 2026/27 season is officially underway, and our boys have already kicked things off with a bang. Whether you’re a lifelong supporter or just getting into football, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about Arsenal’s pre-season — in plain English, no confusing jargon.
How Did We Start?
We won our first game 4-1! On Saturday evening, Arsenal traveled to Spain and beat Girona comfortably. Four different players found the back of the net:
- Kai Havertz
- Christos Tzolis
- Max Dowman (a young talent making his mark!)
- Gabriel Jesus
Important Point: A "pre-season" is like practice matches before the real season starts. Teams use these games to build fitness, test tactics, and give new players minutes.
What’s Coming Up Next?
Here’s the full schedule for the rest of pre-season and the first official trophy of the campaign:
| Date | Match | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Wed, Aug 5 | Arsenal vs Real Betis | Dublin, Ireland |
| Sun, Aug 9 | Emirates Cup: Arsenal vs Borussia Dortmund | Emirates Stadium, London |
| Wed, Aug 12 | Arsenal vs Como 1907 | Emirates Stadium, London |
| Sun, Aug 16 | Community Shield: Arsenal vs Manchester City | Principality Stadium, Cardiff |
What’s the Community Shield?
It’s the traditional "curtain-raiser" — a single match between last season’s Premier League winners (Man City) and FA Cup winners (us!). It’s the first real trophy up for grabs.
How to Watch Every Game
We know you don’t want to miss a minute. Here’s how to catch all the action:
1. Bookmark the Official Viewing Page
Arsenal.com has a live-updated page with country-by-country broadcast info for every remaining pre-season game.
Check it before each match — details can change!
2. Good News: Full Refund for Girona Stream Issues
If you bought the pre-season streaming package for the Girona game, you’re getting a full refund due to technical problems during the live stream.
Read the full refund details here
3. Watching Real Betis Tonight? (UK Fans — Special Deal!)
The game is on Premier Sports, and UK fans can grab a limited-time discount:
Use code:
ARSENALat checkout
What’s the Offer?
- 3 months for just £9.99 total (that’s £3.33/month!)
- Normally £17.99/month
- Valid only Aug 4–5, 2026
- New customers only — sorry, current subscribers can’t use it
- UK only, one per person, case-sensitive code
Important Terms to Know
- After 3 months, it auto-renews at £17.99/month unless you cancel
- Confirm the discounted price shows up before paying
- Can’t combine with other offers
- Manage/cancel anytime at subscribe.premiersports.com/login
Step-by-Step: How to Claim the Premier Sports Deal
- Go to Premier Sports subscription page
- Select the monthly plan (£17.99)
- Enter promo code
ARSENALexactly as shown (capital letters!) - Check that the price drops to £3.33/month for 3 months
- Complete sign-up
- Set a calendar reminder for November — decide then if you want to keep it or cancel
Summary: What You Need to Know Right Now
- Pre-season is underway — we beat Girona 4-1!
- Three more friendlies before the real stuff starts
- Community Shield vs Man City on Aug 16 — first trophy of the season
- Refunds coming for Girona stream buyers
- UK fans: Use code
ARSENALfor cheap Premier Sports access (ends Aug 5!) - Always check Arsenal.com/viewing for the latest broadcast info
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. What’s the difference between pre-season and the real season?
Pre-season games are friendlies — they don’t count for points or trophies. They’re for fitness, tactics, and trying new players. The Community Shield is the first official competitive match.
2. Do I need to pay to watch pre-season games?
Some are on paid platforms (like Premier Sports for Real Betis), others might be free on Arsenal.com or club channels. Check the viewing page per game.
3. I’m not in the UK — can I still watch?
Yes! The official viewing page lists broadcasters by country. Just select your location.
4. What happens if I forget to cancel Premier Sports after 3 months?
You’ll be charged £17.99/month automatically. Set a reminder to cancel if you don’t want to continue.
5. Is Max Dowman a new signing?
No — he’s a young academy player getting a chance to shine in pre-season. Keep an eye on him!
Final Thought: Pre-season is where foundations are built. Wins feel great, but the real test starts August 16th in Cardiff. Let’s go Gunners!
COYG!
