Mitre unveils Ultimax Pro match ball for 2026 Community Shield

Mitre has officially unveiled the new Ultimax Pro match ball designed for the 2026 FA Community Shield. The showpiece event, which signals the return of the domestic football season, will take place on Sunday, 16 August, at Cardiff's Principality Stadium.

The fixture will feature Premier League champions Arsenal facing FA Cup winners Manchester City. With Wembley Stadium unavailable, this marks the first time the match will be played outside of England since 2006.

The design of the Ultimax Pro is built to capture the unity and anticipation of the new season. It features soundwave graphics radiating from each panel, while silver detailing on the signature Delta chevrons pays homage to the Community Shield trophy itself. Alex Roberts, Head of Brand at Mitre, highlighted the importance of the ball design.

Every Official Match Ball we create should reflect the story behind the game. For the Community Shield, that meant celebrating the energy, excitement and togetherness that make it such a special occasion. Alex Roberts

Beyond its visual appeal, the ball incorporates Mitre’s elite technology, including Hyperflow debossed grooves for flight stability and a Hyperfoam mid-layer for responsive touch. To commemorate the match returning to Wales after two decades, Mitre will gift match balls to Peter Crouch, John Arne Riise, and Andriy Shevchenko, the goalscorers from the 2006 edition held at the same venue.