First test: FCB Women face RB Ōmiya | OneFootball

Between neon lights, Japanese culture and training sessions in the Land of the Rising Sun, FC Bayern Women are setting the course for the new season. The Munich girls have been in Japan for the Allianz Women’s Tour since Tuesday, where they’re not only being put through their paces on the pitch but also getting special impressions of Momoko Tanikawa’s homeland. The sporting highlight of the trip comes with the first pre-season friendly: on Saturday 25 July, José Barcala’s side go up against Japanese top-flight outfit RB Ōmiya Ardija at NACK5 Stadium in Saitama. Kick-off is at 10:00 CEST, with the match being streamed live on FC Bayern TV PLUS.

How to watch the friendly against RB Ōmiya Ardija on FC Bayern TV PLUS:

LIVE from 10:00 CEST on Saturday: RB Ōmiya Ardija vs. FC Bayern Women

Latest news from Bayern

FCB Women began their preparations for the new season on 13 July as they returned to the training pitch following the summer break. In the week that followed, the group including new signings Kassandra Potsi, Regina van Eijk, Sarah Mattner and Sophie Proost had a lot of contact with the ball on the grass and eased their way back into the rhythm of training. Then on Tuesday, the team departed for the Allianz Women’s Tour in Japan for a week of intensive training, cultural activities and team bonding. With three weeks to go until the opening competitive fixture in the Supercup, it’s now time for the first test against RB Ōmiya.

We spoke to Sarah Mattner during the Allianz Women‘s Tour: 

Sarah Mattner & the calm between the peaks

Opponents: RB Ōmiya Ardija

RB Ōmiya Ardija are also in the middle of preparations for the new WE League campaign, which kicks off on 22 August against Urawa Red Diamonds. Coach Rina Yanai’s side finished seventh in the Japanese top flight last season and reached the final of the WE League Cup, where they lost on penalties. One familiar face for the Münchnerinnen is striker Mai Kadowaki, who they previously encountered in the Women’s Bundesliga for RB Leipzig. She joined Ōmiya on loan in January and signed permanently in June.

Friendly in Japan: RB Ōmiya Ardija profiled

Team news

Bernadette Amani has not travelled to Japan and is not available for the first friendly as the Ivory Coast captain is currently on international duty at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which starts this weekend and runs until 16 August.

Giulia Gwinn (rehab after shoulder operation) and Vanessa Gilles (muscular injury) are likewise not in Japan, while Lena Oberdorf, Sarah Zadrazil and Sophie Proost are not yet ready to feature in the friendly. Anna Klink is in Tokyo but won’t be involved in the match due to a metacarpal fracture.

Pre-match quotes

José Barcala: “It’s very nice to be here in Japan and to spend this time together. Everything is really great here. Our visit is making us realise even more why Momoko is such a great person and great player. It’s very enriching to get to know her culture and be here together with her.

“It’s also great to see how welcome we are and how smoothly everything’s going because the people are so helpful. Tomorrow’s friendly against RB Ōmiya Ardija is a very good opportunity for us to keep working on our objectives. We’re looking forward to the match and our first test.”

All the latest news and highlights from the Allianz Women’s Tour 2026 in our blog:

Live blog: The FC Bayern Allianz Women's Tour

You can buy tickets for FCB Women’s friendly against Unterhaching on 9 August here:

Ticket sales have begun: FCB Women take on Paris FC in Unterhaching