Manchester City’s 2–1 win over Bournemouth in the 2026–27 opening round was played at the Etihad Stadium. The match took place on Sunday 23 August 2026.
Manchester City were drawn at home against AFC Bournemouth in the first round. The Etihad Stadium, located in Manchester, hosted the Sunday afternoon fixture and provided the setting for City’s opening victory.
The result was one of two Sunday wins by home teams. Brighton & Hove Albion beat Aston Villa 4–0 in the other Sunday match, while Newcastle United and Liverpool drew 2–2 later in the day. City’s 2–1 scoreline therefore represented a narrower win than Brighton’s result.
The venue is officially known as the City of Manchester Stadium in some records, although the Etihad Stadium is the widely used sponsorship name. It should not be confused with Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United, or with Anfield, Liverpool’s ground.