Manchester City announce first 2026/27 pre-season friendly in Hong Kong | OneFootball

Plans for Manchester City’s pre-season tour ahead of the 2026/27 campaign are due to be unveiled soon, and the club has now officially confirmed a return to Asia.

Following speculation regarding the club’s summer logistics, Manchester City have now announced that they will travel to Hong Kong this summer for the first time since 2019.

The tour marks a significant strategic step as the club looks to further engage its significant Far-East fanbase, utilising the trip as the primary launchpad for a season that many hope will continue the dominance of the Pep Guardiola era.

A Champions League Rematch: City vs Inter Milan

In what could be the headline event of the entire tour, a repeat of the historic 2023 Champions League final will see Manchester City lock horns with Inter Milan on Saturday, August 1, competing for the Asahi Super Dry Trophy.

The clash is due to take place at the newly minted Kai Tak Stadium as part of the Hong Kong Football Festival (HKFF), providing the City squad with elite-level opposition just weeks before the Premier League begins once again.

Peter Laundy, Senior Vice President of Partnerships at City Football Group, expressed the club’s excitement stating, “We are thrilled to announce Manchester City’s return to Hong Kong, as we confirm the Club’s first preseason fixture of the summer in Asia.

“Our fans in Hong Kong and the wider region have always shown incredible loyalty… we’re looking forward to sharing those moments once again.”

Rachael Carroll, Managing Director at TEG Sport, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Hong Kong’s status as a premier sports destination.

“Following the incredible success of last year’s event, we are thrilled to host Manchester City for the Asahi Super Dry Trophy… delivering an unparalleled experience for fans as the team makes its final preparations for the 2026/27 season.”

Why Hong Kong could be the perfect launchpad

While Manchester City and Inter have become somewhat familiar foes in European competition – most recently clashing in September 2024 – this will be their first non-competitive meeting since 2011.

The Kai Tak Stadium also represents the pinnacle of modern stadium infrastructure in Asia, offering a fitting stage for a rematch between two of world football’s heavyweights.

For Manchester City, their memories of Hong Kong are fond, with their last visit in 2019 resulting in a 6-1 victory over Kitchee SC.

As clubs across the globe continue to navigate the geopolitical uncertainties that have recently cast doubt on Middle Eastern training bases, this confirmed Asian leg provides clarity for Manchester City’s summer schedule.

With Hugo Viana overseeing his second summer window and the squad likely featuring fresh faces, the match-up in Hong Kong could offer a first glimpse into the further tactical evolution of the 2026/27 squad.