Premier League stars are Dublin-bound

Some of the biggest names in football will descend on Dublin this August as two massive games featuring Premier League sides have been announced.

Following the success of previous years’ pre-season games, Dublin will host two high-profile matches with some of the best teams in the world making the trip over to entertain their Irish fans. Manchester United, Leeds United, Arsenal and Real Betis will trade England and Spain for the Emerald Isle as part of their preparations for the 2026/27 season.

Arsenal v Real Betis

Aviva Stadium, Dublin | 5 August 2026 | 7:30pm

Current Premier League leaders Arsenal return to Dublin for their first pre-season visit to the capital since they faced Chelsea in 2018. The Gunners also took to the field at the Aviva Stadium for a UEFA Europa League game against Dundalk. Fans were unable to attend that game due to COVID-19 restrictions. Irish supporters will be able to see some of Arsenal’s stars like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard and Eberechi Eze – and the possibility of new summer arrivals.

Arsenal are currently sitting at the top of the Premier League and are in the Quarter Final stage of the UEFA Champions League, drawn opposite Sporting CP. Mikel Arteta’s side are in prime positions to win their first trophy since 2020 but the real prize for them is surely the chance to play in Dublin this summer.

The game offers a number of firsts for Real Betis. The Spanish outfit bring their iconic green and white stripes to Dublin for the first time along with the match being their first meeting with Arsenal. Real Betis sit 5th in the La Liga table and face Portuguese opponents of their own in the UEFA Europa League Quarter Finals in S.C. Braga. Their squad boasts stars such as Isco, Antony, Pablo Fornals and former Arsenal academy graduate Héctor Bellerín, a starter in the side that won the FA Cup in 2020. Hopefully their fans bring the Seville weather with them when they come to Dublin.

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Manchester United v Leeds United

Croke Park, Dublin | 12 August 2026 | 7:30pm

Leeds United make it two years on the bounce with pre-season visits to Dublin as they are set to swap the Aviva Stadium for Croke Park. Last summer’s game welcomed European giants AC Milan and this year’s goes one step further, bringing Manchester United to the Big Smoke. The Red Devils’ return to Dublin marks their first game in Ireland since they played against Athletic Bilbao in a friendly in 2023.

Manchester United and Leeds United both have storied heritages and close associations with Ireland, including notable former players like Roy Keane, Denis Irwin, John O’Shea, Johnny Giles, Gary Kelly and Ian Harte. The two sides also share a deep rivalry and have played out many exciting matches in the past.

The game will also be the first soccer match played at Croke Park in nearly 17 years. The last time the iconic venue hosted the sport was in 2009, when a Giovanni Trapattoni led Ireland team played France in a FIFA World Cup Qualifier Play-Off where it appeared the ground’s more familiar sport gave Thierry Henry some inspiration for their next game.

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Want to forget Thierry Henry and that night in France? You can find the best upcoming sporting events by checking out our Sports Guide.