Celtic’s pre-season schedule took shape after confirming a friendly match against a renowned European opponent…
According to the club’s official website, Brendan Rodgers’ squad will face Sporting CP at the Estadio do Algarve after completing their warm-weather training camp in Portugal next month.
While information on ticket sales and fan attendance is still pending, the Scottish and Portuguese champions are set to clash on Wednesday, 16 July.
Celtic’s pre-season will kick off with a match against Cork City in the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday 8 July. Their second encounter will be against Sporting, followed by a home fixture at Celtic Park versus English Carabao Cup champions Newcastle United.
Then, the team will travel to Italy to compete in the inaugural Como Cup, featuring hosts Como, Dutch giants Ajax, and Saudi club Al Ahli.
These warm-up games will provide valuable playing time for Rodgers’ squad as they gear up for a demanding 2025/26 campaign domestically and in European competition. Unlike recent seasons, Celtic will face Champions League qualifying rounds in August as they aim to reach the group stage for the fourth consecutive season.
Left-back Alex Valle may soon reunite with Celtic after spending the season’s first half on loan in Glasgow, before transferring permanently to Serie A club Como last week.
Four clubs. One lake. One unforgettable week.
Como 1907 can’t wait to host @AFCAjax , @CelticFC and @ALAHLI_FC on the shores of beautiful Lake Como this July 23-27 2025. More info coming soon!#FootballOnTheLake #ComoCup pic.twitter.com/IulVWznDcp
— Como1907 (@Como_1907) June 3, 2025
Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli, featuring Roberto Firmino – whom Rodgers signed at Liverpool in 2015 just before leaving the club – will compete in the tournament, alongside Ajax, where former Rodgers player and captain Jordan Henderson currently plays.
The first round of the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership season will commence on the weekend of 2/3 August with Champions Celtic certain to play at Paradise and raise the league flag.
This will be in preparation for their crucial Champions League play-off qualifier with the first leg on 19/20 August followed by the return leg on 26/27 August.
Conor Spence
Celtic will face Sporting Clube de Portugal in a pre-season friendly at the Estádio do Algarve on Wednesday, July 16.
More info⤵
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) June 9, 2025
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