Celtic have announced a high-profile pre-season friendly against Portuguese champions Sporting CP, set for July 16, 2025, at the Estadio do Algarve.

This match forms a key part of their preparations for the 2025/26 campaign, following a warm-weather training camp in Portugal. The clash promises an exciting test, pitting Scotland’s champions against one of Portugal’s elite clubs.

This fixture is the third confirmed in Celtic’s pre-season lineup. The squad will first travel to the Republic of Ireland to face Cork City on July 8. After the Sporting CP match, Celtic will return to Glasgow to take on Newcastle United, the English League Cup holders, ensuring a challenging slate of games to sharpen the team.

Following their Portugal trip, Celtic will participate in the inaugural Como Cup in Italy, hosted by Serie A side Como. The four-team tournament includes Dutch giants Ajax and Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli, offering a competitive end to their summer preparations. Details about the tournament format and schedule are still forthcoming.

Under manager Brendan Rodgers, Celtic are embracing a demanding pre-season to gear up for European qualifiers and another Scottish Premiership title defense. Facing top-tier opposition like Sporting CP and Newcastle will provide valuable experience for the squad as they aim to maintain their domestic dominance and make an impact in Europe.

The pre-season schedule offers exciting travel opportunities for Celtic fans, with trips to Ireland, Portugal, and Italy.

While ticketing details for the Sporting CP match are yet to be confirmed, the fixture is expected to draw significant interest from supporters eager to see their team in action.

Celtic’s ambitious pre-season, featuring clashes with top clubs and a prestigious tournament, sets the stage for a thrilling 2025/26 campaign. Celtic fans can look forward to a summer packed with high-quality football and memorable experiences.