Top 10 friendlies to watch out for in pre-season 2026 ft. Man United vs PSG

Club football is all set to be back in action after the FIFA World Cup 2026.

As the 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup has now come to a close, the focus will now shift back to club football. Luis de la Fuente’s Spain secured the prestigious trophy after taking down Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the final.

Top-tier clubs will be out preparing for the upcoming 2026-27 season with pre-season friendlies. Teams like Manchester United, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, PSG and others will be heavily noticed. They will be eager to display top-notch performances in the pre-season club friendly contests ahead of the new season.

Some of the teams have already been preparing hard, although many players are yet to return after taking rest post the FIFA World Cup duties.

Also Read: Top seven youngest FIFA World Cup winners ft. Lamine Yamal & Kylian Mbappe

10 best pre-season friendlies to watch out for in 2026

Fixture	Date
Liverpool vs Sunderland	July 25
Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid	August 1
Real Madrid vs Fiorentina	August 1
Manchester City vs Inter Milan	August 1
Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur	August 1
Liverpool vs Leeds United	August 2
Aston Villa vs Bayern Munich	August 7
Manchester United vs PSG	August 8
FC Barcelona vs Nottingham Forest	August 9
Arsenal vs Borussia Dortmund	August 9

10. Liverpool vs Sunderland

For their first pre-season game ahead of the English Premier League 2026-27, Liverpool will battle it out against the fellow English club Sunderland on July 25. Andoni Iraola has been appointed as the new head coach for the Reds after their underwhelming campaign last season. The Black Cats haven’t secured a win against Liverpool in their last 13 meetings.

9. Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid

The Michael Carrick-led Manchester United have started their pre-season campaign with a defeat against Wrexham. Before taking on the LaLiga side Atletico Madrid on August 1, they will face Roserborg on July 24. These clubs are going to face each other after more than four years.

Los Colchoneros might also see a change in management. Man Utd vs Atleti is going to be an interesting clash to look at.

8. Real Madrid vs Fiorentina

Jose Mourinho will be ready for his first test as the new Real Madrid manager. It will be interesting to see how the LaLiga and European giants are going to perform under him. Los Blancos had a trophyless season and have made many changes in the squad for the new season.

It will not be an easy clash for them against the Serie A club Fiorentina on August 1.

7. Manchester City vs Inter Milan

The previous contest between these clubs ended in a draw. Both of these clubs will be really ambitious to prepare for the 2026-27 season. This is going to be a battle one must not miss.

Between Man City and Internazionale, this will be the third-ever clash. Under new manager Enzo Maresca, the Cityzens will be looking to prevail. Cristian Chivu’s men are not going to go down with ease out there.

6. Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur

Fans who were waiting to watch a London derby will not have to wait till the start of the new season. The Xabi Alonso-led Chelsea will go up against Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham Hotspur. This contest will take place in Sydney, Australia, on August 1.

The Blues will be with their new head coach. On the other hand, Spurs will be looking to make a mark after a poor campaign last season.

5. Liverpool vs Leeds United

Both of the last two fixtures between these clubs have ended in a draw. The Whites came up with decent performances during the Premier League 2025-26 campaign. On the other hand, the Reds barely managed to secure a spot in the Champions League.

These clubs have a long history. They will now battle it out in a pre-season friendly on US Soil on August 2.

4. Aston Villa vs Bayern Munich

The Europa League winners will now lock horns with the Bundesliga champions on August 7. The Vincent Kompany-led Bayern Munich will be looking to put Unai Emery’s Aston Villa to a stern test. This can also become one of the most intense pre-season games this time.

The Villans will be eager to make another statement ahead of the new Premier League season. But the Bavarians will not be going to make things easy for them in this pre-season match.

3. Manchester United vs PSG

These clubs will be out there to make a statement. The previous outing between these sides ended in favour of the Parisians. The UEFA Champions League winners, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), will be back in action.

They will go head-to-head against the Red Devils. It is going to be an important and entertaining fixture on August 8. With a win, this might be a big confidence booster for Manchester United.

2. FC Barcelona vs Nottingham Forest

Many of the FC Barcelona players will be coming after their FIFA World Cup 2026 triumph with Spain. The LaLiga club have been doing well domestically, but will be looking to step up their game now. Nottingham Forest will be ready to put the Spanish league winners to the test.

Fans will be eager to have a look at this clash on August 9.

1. Arsenal vs Borussia Dortmund

The Mikel Arteta-led Arsenal won the English Premier League. They will be confident coming into the new season. The Gunners are going to lock horns with Borussia Dortmund.

It is going to be a pre-season fixture on August 9. Both of these clubs have talented individuals. This is going to be an entertaining outing to watch.

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