April 26 – Manchester City have announced they will play two pre-season friendlies in the US in July, prior to the start of their 2022/23 campaign.
The first match – dubbed the Copa de Lone Star – will be played in Houston’s 72,220 capacity NRG Stadium against Mexican giants Club América from the LigaMX on July 20. The second US fixture for Man City will be announced next week.
Houston’s NRG has been a regular stop on Concacaf’s Gold Cup schedule with Mexico often the nation to play there, and generally filling the stadium to capacity. Manchester City played at the NRG in 2017 against Manchester United, the first Manchester derby to be played outside the city.
“We are excited to return to the United States for this summer’s preseason trip, our first since before COVID. Ourplayers and coaches cannot wait to play once again in-person in front of our American fans, who have shown us such great support and passion,” said Omar Berrada, Chief Football Operations Officer at City Football Group.
Houston is one of the bidding cities for the 2026 World Cup. The city has invested heavily in football locally as part of that bid.
“Houston is the nation’s most diverse and inclusive city. We love sports and welcome fans worldwide to come and enjoy the electrifying atmosphere of great competition and sportsmanship,” said Houston mayor Sylvester Turner.“We are honored to be the host city for the match between these two outstanding teams. The event is guaranteed to behuge for soccer fans and a big win for the City of Houston.”
Santiago Baños, president of Club América, said: “The upcoming match on July 20 is an incredible chance for fans inthe United Kingdom, United States and abroad to better get to know Mexican football, and of course this represents an amazing opportunity for the Americanistas to watch their favorite team play against an elite international opponent.”
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