Following a successful 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in North America, Manchester City’s senior men’s first-team squad is slowly regrouping for the new club season. Nearly every player who was part of the Sky Blues' squad participated in the summer World Cup, and they will all return in good health, with the exception of Rodri, who underwent a minor back procedure. As the team prepares to welcome their new manager, Enzo Maresca, players are eager to understand his approach and how they might fit into his vision for the club. To help transition back into club football, 28 players from the senior squad and academy have embarked on a pre-season tour across Asia. The tour includes three matches: one in Hong Kong and two in Seoul, South Korea. These fixtures will serve as important warm-ups ahead of the 2026/2027 Premier League and European campaign.
Hong Kong and Seoul Fixtures
The tour kicks off in Hong Kong on 1 August at Kai Tak Sports Park, where Manchester City will face Italian giants Inter. This will be the fifth time the two teams have played each other, with their previous notable clash taking place in the 2023 UEFA Champions League Final. That match, held in Istanbul, ended with a dramatic penalty shootout victory for Man City, securing their first European title. Since then, the teams have met once in the Champions League group stage, which ended in a 0-0 draw in September 2024.
Following the Hong Kong match, the squad will travel to Seoul for two more games. The first will take place on 5 August against the K League All-Stars at the Seoul World Cup Stadium. On 9 August, Man City will face Atlético Madrid, marking the fourth meeting between the English and Spanish clubs. The first two encounters happened in the 2021/2022 Champions League quarter-finals, where City narrowly beat Atlético 1-0 in Manchester and drew 0-0 in Madrid. Their most recent meeting was a 2023 friendly, which Atlético won.
Where and How to Follow the Tour
All three matches will be accessible to fans through the official Manchester City website, ManCity.com, and the CITY+ app for subscribers. Beyond the games, the club has arranged a range of fan events in Hong Kong and Seoul. These include open training sessions, opportunities to meet special guests, and displays of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. Additionally, pop-up stores will be set up to sell official merchandise, giving fans further interaction with the club during the tour.
The traveling squad includes 28 players, blending senior talent with academy prospects. Goalkeepers in the mix are Marcus Bettinelli and Gianluigi Donnarumma, who have both had significant roles for the club in recent seasons. On the midfield, Phil Foden and Claudio Echeverri will look to make an impact, while defenders like Joško Gvardiol and Rico Lewis round out the defense. However, not all first-team players will be part of the tour. Some key figures, particularly those who advanced beyond the World Cup Round of 16, will be rested ahead of the new season to manage fatigue and injuries.
Rodri is the biggest name not traveling due to the back surgery he had earlier in the summer. However, the club confirmed that all other players are in good condition and ready for the 2026/2027 campaign. The choice to send a mix of experienced and younger players reflects the club’s strategic thinking: to ensure readiness for the season while also giving some rest to those who worked hard in the World Cup. This approach also gives younger players a valuable opportunity to gain match experience on the international stage.
The decision to hold the tour in Asia aligns with Manchester City's broader strategy to engage with a growing fanbase in the region. The club last played in Hong Kong in 2019 and in Seoul in 2023, following the historic Treble-winning campaign. By returning to these locations, Man City continues to strengthen its global presence and connection with international supporters.