Every summer, football fans look forward to a special clash at Wembley: the FA Community Shield. Often described as the “Super Cup of England,” it brings together the Premier League champions and the FA Cup winners for a high-profile showdown. Since its inception in 1908, the Shield has evolved from a charity exhibition to a key symbolic battle that sets the tone for the new season.
There is more to the Community Shield than just a glorified friend. Before the Premier League season starts, it’s an opportunity for clubs to establish their dominance. It’s the first competitive look at new players, tactical adjustments, and rekindled rivalries for supporters. Matches like Liverpool vs. Manchester City or Arsenal vs. Chelsea have produced memorable goals and fiery moments that feel anything but casual.
But there’s a common question fans ask worldwide: “Where can I watch the Community Shield?”
The answer depends heavily on your location. Broadcast rights vary by region, and many streams are geo-restricted. This guide breaks down where to watch in every major country, how to legally stream with a VPN if you’re traveling, and what alternative options exist for football lovers everywhere.
Broadcasts by Region: Who Shows the Community Shield?
One of the biggest frustrations for football fans is that the Community Shield doesn’t air on the same network everywhere. Rights are divided by territory, meaning your access depends on where you live. Here’s a breakdown of official broadcasters across major markets.
United Kingdom (UK)
- TV: ITV and ITV4 (free-to-air)
- Streaming: ITVX (free with account)
- Radio: BBC Radio 5 Live commentary
The UK is the easiest place to watch. Both TV and online streams are free. However, ITVX is geo-locked, meaning UK residents abroad will need a workaround to access it.
United States (US)
- Broadcaster: ESPN+
- Access type: Subscription required
ESPN+ has exclusive English-language rights in the U.S. The match will not air on basic cable, so cord-cutters need the streaming platform. A VPN helps if you’re traveling outside the U.S. and want to log in with your ESPN+ credentials.
Canada
- TV/Streaming: DAZN
- Cost: $24.99 CAD/month or $199 CAD/year
DAZN carries most English domestic competitions in Canada, including the Community Shield. It’s an all-in-one solution for Canadian football fans, though regional blocks still apply if you’re abroad.
Australia
- Broadcaster: Paramount+
- Access type: Subscription
Paramount+ streams the Community Shield live. Australian viewers need a paid account, and streams may not be available when logging in from outside Australia without a VPN.
New Zealand
Broadcaster: Sky Sport (Sky Sport Now app for streaming)
The Kiwi audience can tune in through Sky Sport’s channels or stream with Sky Sport Now. This option often requires a local billing address.
India
Broadcaster: Sony Sports Network / SonyLIV (streaming)
Sony typically holds rights for major English football competitions, including the Community Shield. Fans can stream via SonyLIV, but access is tied to Indian IP addresses.
Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines)
Broadcaster: beIN Sports
beIN is the go-to network for much of Asia, offering both TV and streaming options. Some regions have standalone apps; others integrate with local carriers.
Middle East & North Africa (MENA)
Broadcaster: beIN Sports
The Qatar-based broadcaster has strong football coverage across the region. Matches can be streamed on beIN Connect, but subscription pricing varies by country.
Africa (Sub-Saharan)
Broadcaster: SuperSport
South Africa and much of Sub-Saharan Africa will have coverage through SuperSport, either via TV packages or digital streaming platforms.
Europe (Outside UK)
Broadcasters vary:
- Germany, Austria, Switzerland: DAZN
- France: beIN Sports
- Spain: Movistar+
- Italy: Sky Italia
Each country negotiates its own rights deal, so availability may shift from year to year.
Broadcast Summary Table
| Region | Broadcaster(s) | Streaming Option | Free / Paid |
| UK | TNT Sports 1 (not ITV this year) | Discovery+ (subscription-based) | Paid |
| USA | ESPN+ | ESPN App / ESPN+ platform | Paid |
| Canada | Sportsnet World (broadcast rights) | Sportsnet World app / Sportsnet+ | Paid |
| Australia | Stan Sport (replaced Optus Sport) | Stan Sport via Stan subscription | Paid |
| India | Sony Ten 1 / Sony Ten 1 HD (TV); SonyLIV | SonyLIV app | Paid |
| Africa (Sub-Saharan) | SuperSport (e.g., DSTV) | SuperSport / DSTV Now streaming | Paid |
| Middle East / MENA | beIN Sports | beIN Connect | Paid (commonly holds rights) |
| Europe (Other) | Varies by country: DAZN, Canal+, Viaplay, Movistar+ | Respective provider apps | Paid (territorial licensing) |
Watching the Community Shield Abroad: How a VPN Helps
Geo-blocking is the main obstacle that many fans face when watching the Community Shield. ITV, Peacock, and DAZN are examples of broadcasters that limit their streaming to viewers inside their licensed regions. You’ll frequently discover that the live stream is prohibited because of your location if you’re traveling for a job, vacation, or residence abroad. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can change everything in this situation.
How a VPN Works for Streaming
A VPN routes your internet traffic through secure servers in another country. This makes it appear as though you’re browsing from that location rather than your actual one. For example:
- Connect to a UK server, and you can unlock ITVX to watch the Community Shield for free.
- Switch to a US server, and you can access Peacock Premium’s stream if that’s your preferred broadcaster.
- Select an Indian server, and you can watch the coverage through SonyLIV.
In short, a VPN gives you the freedom to choose the official broadcaster you prefer, regardless of where you’re physically located.
Why BearVPN is Ideal for Football Fans
Not every VPN can handle the demands of live sports. Some are too slow, drop connections during peak traffic, or are quickly detected and blocked by major streaming services. That’s where BearVPN stands out.
Built with sports fans in mind, BearVPN combines speed, stability, and security to ensure your match day goes smoothly. With just a single click, you can switch IP addresses and connect to high-quality servers around the world. Whether you’re watching the Community Shield in the UK, USA, or abroad, BearVPN helps you bypass geo-blocks and access reliable streams without interruptions.
BearVPN’s global server coverage spans across dozens of countries, giving you the flexibility to find the fastest route for your stream. On top of that, it enhances your online privacy and keeps your connection secure — so you can enjoy the game without worrying about throttling, tracking, or unwanted restrictions.
- High-Speed Servers – BearVPN offers a large network of fast, stable servers optimized for streaming sports without buffering or lag.
- One-Click Connection – Even without technical expertise, it is straightforward to use because of its intuitive interface.
- Privacy and Security – Beyond streaming, BearVPN encrypts your connection, protecting your data from hackers on public Wi-Fi—a common scenario when fans watch matches while traveling.
Step-by-Step: Watching the Community Shield with BearVPN
Step 1. Download and install BearVPN on your device (Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android).
Step 2. Open BearVPN and connect to a server in the country where your preferred broadcaster is available (e.g., UK for ITVX, US for Peacock, Canada for DAZN).
Step 3. Visit the broadcaster’s streaming platform, such as ITVX.com or PeacockTV.com, or open the corresponding app.
Step 4. Log in or sign up if required. (Some platforms like ITVX are free, while others like Peacock or DAZN may need a subscription or trial.)
Step 5. Start streaming the Community Shield live, without worrying about geo-blocks or location restrictions.
Alternative Legal Options to Watch the Community Shield
Not every football fan has easy access to the Community Shield through their local broadcaster. Rights deals vary widely, and sometimes the match might not be shown in your region at all. While a VPN can help you access official international streams, there are also a few alternative legal routes worth considering.
Free Trials:
- Sling TV and FuboTV (US) often provide 7-day trials that include NBC/Peacock coverage.
- SonyLIV in India occasionally offers promo periods.
Highlights & Radio:
- YouTube’s official Premier League channel uploads highlights soon after.
- BBC Radio 5 Live (UK) streams live commentary.
Avoid illegal streaming sites. They are filled with intrusive ads, malware and are often taken down mid-match, leaving you frustrated.
FAQs on Where to Watch the Community Shield
1. What is the Community Shield?
It’s a one-off match between the winners of the Premier League and the FA Cup. If a team wins both, the league runners-up participate.
2. Is the Community Shield free to watch in the UK?
Yes. ITV and ITVX broadcast the match live, free for all UK viewers.
3. Can US fans watch on regular TV?
No, it’s not on cable. You’ll need a Peacock subscription to stream it.
4. Why is ITVX blocked outside the UK?
Because of geo-restrictions. ITV only has UK rights, so they block foreign IP addresses.
5. How can a VPN help me watch abroad?
By connecting to a UK server, you can access ITVX as if you were in Britain.
6. Can I watch on mobile or Smart TV?
Yes. ITVX, Peacock, and DAZN all support apps for Android, iOS, Firestick, Apple TV, and most Smart TVs.
7. Does using a VPN affect stream quality?
With a stable VPN like BearVPN, you can stream in HD without buffering, especially if you connect to a nearby server.
8. What happens if my VPN stops working mid-match?
Switch servers and refresh. Some platforms blacklist certain IPs, but a VPN with multiple UK options (like BearVPN) solves this.
Conclusion
The FA Community Shield is much more than a preseason friendly — it’s the official curtain-raiser to the English football season. From the roar of Wembley to screens across the globe, it’s the moment fans have been waiting for after the summer break, offering a first glimpse of which club might set the tone for the year ahead.
In the UK, fans can watch live for free on ITVX, while in the US, Peacock provides complete coverage.
For fans traveling abroad or facing regional blocks, however, access isn’t always guaranteed. That’s where a reliable VPN comes in. With BearVPN, you can connect to servers worldwide, bypass geo-restrictions, and stream in HD without lag or interruptions. At the same time, your online privacy remains fully protected.
