The FA Community Shield is traditionally played between the previous season’s Premier League champions and FA Cup winners.
Often described as the curtain-raiser for the new English football season, the match gives two of the country’s most successful clubs an early opportunity to win silverware.
How Do Teams Qualify for the Community Shield?
Qualification is based on the results of the two biggest domestic competitions in English football:
- The Premier League champions qualify by finishing first in the league.
- The FA Cup winners qualify by winning the FA Cup final.
The match normally takes place shortly before the new Premier League season begins.
What Happens if One Team Wins the Premier League and FA Cup?
If the same club wins both the Premier League and the FA Cup—an achievement known as the domestic Double—the Premier League runners-up usually receive the second Community Shield place.
In that situation, the match is contested between:
- The Premier League champions and FA Cup winners
- The team that finished second in the Premier League
This ensures that two clubs still compete for the trophy.
Is the Community Shield a Friendly?
The Community Shield is often treated like a high-profile preseason fixture because it takes place before the league campaign and teams may still be building match fitness.
However, it is an official trophy overseen by the Football Association. The winning club lifts the Community Shield, and the result forms part of the competition’s official history.
Where Is the Community Shield Played?
The game is traditionally held at Wembley Stadium in London. It can be moved to another venue when Wembley is unavailable.
If the score is level after 90 minutes, the winner is generally decided by a penalty shootout rather than extra time.
Why Is It Called the Community Shield?
The event has charitable and community-focused purposes. Proceeds are distributed to community initiatives and charities, including projects connected with the participating clubs.
The competition was previously known as the Charity Shield before being renamed the FA Community Shield in 2002.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who plays in the FA Community Shield?
The reigning Premier League champions play the reigning FA Cup winners.
Who qualifies if the same club wins both competitions?
If one club wins the Premier League and FA Cup, the Premier League runners-up normally take the second place.
When is the Community Shield played?
It is usually played shortly before the Premier League season starts.
Does the Community Shield go to extra time?
Typically, no. If the match is level after 90 minutes, it proceeds directly to penalties.
Is the Community Shield a major trophy?
It is an official piece of silverware, although its prestige is generally considered lower than that of the Premier League, FA Cup and major European competitions.
Final Answer
The Community Shield is contested by the previous season’s Premier League champions and FA Cup winners. If the same club wins both trophies, the Premier League runners-up usually take the remaining place.