Arsenal Women are set to face Charlton Athletic Women in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The fixture, scheduled for a 7 PM BST kick-off, will take place at Mangata Developments Stadium, also known as Meadow Park, providing an early opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming 2026/27 season.
Ticket information for this friendly encounter is expected to be announced in due course, with Arsenal Women's official channels advising supporters to monitor for updates regarding availability for matches at Meadow Park.
The match carries particular interest following Charlton Athletic Women's recent promotion to the Barclays Women's Super League (WSL) for the 2026/27 campaign. This elevation means that future competitive fixtures between these two London clubs are now a distinct possibility, adding an extra layer of anticipation to their pre-season meeting.
Arsenal Women concluded the 2025/26 FA Women's Super League season in a strong second-place position. Their league campaign was marked by impressive consistency, securing 15 wins, 6 draws, and only 1 loss from 22 matches, translating to a 68% win rate. The single league defeat was their fewest since the 2021/22 season, though they recorded their highest number of stalemates in a WSL season with six draws. The team demonstrated a clinical edge, scoring the most goals (9) following high turnovers in the 2025/26 WSL, and maintained a robust defensive record, keeping 11 clean sheets in half of their league games. They finished the season with an impressive 17-match unbeaten run, comprising 13 wins and 4 draws. Under manager Renée Slegers, Arsenal Women also extended an exceptional home record, with Slegers becoming the first manager in WSL history to remain unbeaten in her first 16 home matches, a streak that now stands at 19 games.
Charlton Athletic Women, meanwhile, enjoyed a successful 2025/26 season in the FA Women's Championship, finishing third in the standings. Their campaign saw them achieve 12 wins, 6 draws, and 4 losses, winning 55% of their matches. They scored 31 goals while conceding 21, showcasing a balanced performance. Their strong form, particularly their promotion to the WSL, sets the stage for this friendly as a significant test against one of the league's established powers. This encounter will serve as a crucial barometer for Charlton as they prepare to compete at the highest level of English women's football.
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