Which European soccer teams are touring the USA in summer 2022?
With the COVID-19 pandemic subsiding, European soccer teams are touring the USA for offseason training again in bulk.
Last year, a handful of European clubs made the trip over to the United States. Notably, Everton won the Florida Cup against Colombian side Millionarios. Still, the majority of the major European clubs held off with limited capacity at stadiums still in effect.
This summer, look forward to seeing some of Europe’s biggest clubs in action stateside.
Most of the following teams play three games during their tenure in the country. Oftentimes, this is just a stop on the club’s international tour. For example, Barcelona has two confirmed games while in the U.S. this summer. However, the club’s offseason tour already started against Australia’s A-League All Stars.
While the players do get some time off before the trip to the United States, Barcelona then plays two games in the United States. Plus, there is potential for a third one.
 |
European giants in U.S.See the full schedule of games and cities |
Find tickets |
Also, not every club confirmed its summer plans quite yet. Real Madrid, for example, has a history of playing in the U.S. over the summer. However, with the club set for the UEFA Champions League Final, the season is still very much at hand. On the other hand, Liverpool, Real’s opponent in the Final, announced its offseason plans in February. The Reds, like a number of other clubs, will be in Asia. Specifically, Jurgen Klopp’s side has games set for Thailand and Singapore.
European soccer teams touring the USA
Back to the U.S., three of England’s ‘big six’ teams will appear throughout the United States. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City each have a slate of games.
The highlight of this is the 2022 Florida Cup between Chelsea and Arsenal on July 23. This one-off competition traditionally has a handful of teams from South America and Europe. As part of the FC Series, this is just a singular game. However, both clubs do have additional games.
Chelsea
On July 16, Chelsea plays Mexican side Club América at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Then, the club arrives in Charlotte to play MLS club Charlotte FC.
That game, scheduled for Wednesday, July 20, is part of a busy day for summer friendlies. Five European clubs play five clubs from North America across the United States. Eventually, Chelsea finishes up its America tour in that Arsenal game.
Arsenal
Like Chelsea, Arsenal plays three games during its time in the United States. Arsenal opens up its time in the U.S. against fellow Premier League foe Everton in Baltimore on July 16. Then, on that day of Europe vs. North America, Arsenal takes on Orlando City at Exploria Stadium in Orlando.
The Chelsea-Arsenal clash is the Gunners’ last game before heading back to England to continue preparations for what could be a big season for the North London club.
Everton
Everton was one of the few clubs to play international friendlies last summer. It returns to the United States starting with the aforementioned game against Arsenal. The Toffees then partake in that busy July 20 set of games when it plays against Minnesota United.
Everton has the honor of being Minnesota United’s first friendly against Premier League opposition. Everton did well in the preseason last summer, but struggled mightily in the league, barely staying up.
Manchester City
The defending Premier League champions have just two games over a four-day span in the United States. Like Chelsea, the Sky Blues take on Liga MX side Club América. This game is at NRG Stadium, the traditional home of the NFL’s Houston Texans.
Manchester City’s second game, however, is the best confirmed game in the United States. Plus, it is at one of sports’ most vaunted and historical venues. Lambeau Field, the home of the Green Bay Packers for the last 65 years, hosts its first soccer game on July 23. Manchester City plays Bayern Munich, which now has 10-consecutive Bundesliga titles. These two sides last met in 2018 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, with Pep Guardiola besting his old club 3-2. Bernardo Silva scored twice that day for City.
Bayern Munich
Among the European soccer teams touring the USA, Bayern Munich has the most success when it comes to the UEFA Champions League. The German side visited the U.S. in 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2019. The two games for the club go from Washington D.C. to Green Bay, WI.
On July 20, Bayern plays its first game against an MLS side when it battles DC United at Audi Field. The German car manufacturer has a stake in both DC United and Bayern Munich, making this a first Audi Football Summit. As seen previously, Bayern then rounds out its trip to the U.S. against Manchester City at Lambeau Field.
Barcelona
Another European giant, Barcelona has a knack for playing in the United States. The Catalans were part of the biggest summer friendly in U.S. history when they played in El Clásico in Miami in 2017.
As stated previously, Barcelona’s summer activities started before the European season even wrapped up. However the main bulk comes in the form of two games stateside. FCB has two games against MLS opposition in the form of Inter Miami and New York Red Bulls.
While unconfirmed, there are reports that a second El Clásico in the United States is in the works for the summer of 2022. Early reports indicate that the game will be at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the same site as the contest between Chelsea and Club América. Real Madrid is yet to release information on its summer tour, but that likely comes out in early June.
Rumors on Real
While nothing is confirmed regarding Los Blancos, there are indications of where the club’s summer tour may lead. Past rumors included a miniature tournament against Juventus and Barcelona, the three clubs still somewhat connected to the European Super League. It appears Real Madrid will be making another trip out to the U.S., but more information will arrive in the coming days.
Other European clubs heading to the USA
German second division club SC Paderborn also plays one match this June in Minnesota.
Other clubs could join, but the ones above are the only European clubs with confirmed dates in the United States.