Tour d'USA: The top preseason friendlies coming to the US this summer

Euro 2024 and Copa América are finished, the transfer market is abuzz with activity, and Tottenham supporters are in a better mood than usual. This can only mean one thing: the offseason is here.

Europe’s top teams are beginning to embark on their annual globe-trotting preseason tours, so what better way to spend the dog days of summer than by seeing your favorite team play right here in the United States – ice-water, air conditioning and all?

Here are the top preseason friendlies coming to your city (maybe) this summer:

Chelsea vs. Wrexham

When and where? Wed, July 24 @ Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA

Why you should go: Both these clubs have American owners who’ve spent a fuck-ton in recent years, but their investments have yielded very different results. Chelsea’s $1.2 billion squad will be the perfect measuring stick for Wrexham, who’ve earned promotion two years in a row and will compete in EFL League One (third tier) next season. Tickets start at $60.

Man City vs. AC Milan

When and where? Sat, Jul 27 @ Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY

Why you should go: New York City is damn near inhospitable in the summer, so beat the heat by making your yearly pilgrimage to the Bronx to catch Christian Pulisic take on Man City at their younger brother’s (NYCFC) stomping grounds. This might be the only time you can get tickets behind home plate at Yankee Stadium for only $184. 😬

Arsenal vs. Man United

When and where? Sat, Jul 27 @ SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA

Why you should go: This classic Premier League matchup might be the only time you can go to Inglewood sporting all red and not get shot. Nose bleeds start at $110.

Louisville City FC vs. Eintracht Frankfurt

When and where? Tues, Jul 30 @ Lynn Family Stadium, Louisville, KY

Why you should go: This is an interesting one. Louisville City are one of the top clubs in the USL Championship (second tier), and their fervent supporters will relish the opportunity to see how they measure up to the 2021-2022 Europa League winners. At the very least, the two fanbases should bond over a shared hatred for Frankfort. Tickets start at just $17, with pitch-side seats fetching a cool $193 each.

Crystal Palace vs. West Ham

When and where? Sat, Aug 3 @ Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL

Why you should go: Both teams are coming off the back of relatively strong seasons, finishing ninth (West Ham) and tenth (Palace) in the Premier League, respectively. They’ll be fighting for spots in Europe this upcoming season. I can’t guarantee it’ll be as fun as a shopping plaza strip club, but it should be a good time. Tickets start at $61.

Real Madrid vs. Barcelona

When and where? Sat, Aug 3 @ MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

Why you should go: Do I really need to sell you on the first El Clásico featuring Kylian Mbappé? The only downsides are: A) You’ll have to go to New Jersey and B) MetLife Stadium has less character than Enzo Fernández. Sell your first-born for a seat in the upper bowl starting at $295.