Sunderland AFC has confirmed their full pre-season schedule for the 2026-27 season. The Black Cats will face several top-flight teams in their preparations for the new campaign. The schedule includes a series of friendly matches against teams from the Premier League and Championship. Sunderland will also participate in the 2026-27 EFL Cup, with their first match scheduled for August 2026. The team's pre-season preparations will be led by manager Tony Mowbray, who has been at the helm since 2022. Sunderland's squad will be looking to build on their recent performances and make a strong push for promotion to the Premier League. The team's first match of the new season is scheduled for August 2026, with a home fixture against a yet-to-be-confirmed opponent. Sunderland's pre-season schedule is as follows: August 2026: Friendly match against Manchester City (away) August 2026: Friendly match against Liverpool (home) August 2026: Friendly match against Chelsea (away) August 2026: Friendly match against Arsenal (home) August 2026: EFL Cup match against a yet-to-be-confirmed opponent (home)