Newcastle United confirm St James' Park friendlies - mystery opponent still to be confirmed
Newcastle United will host two St James’ Park friendlies, with one opponent still to be confirmed.
Newcastle United will round off their preparations for the new Premier League season with a St James’ Park double-header.
Eddie Howe’s side welcome European opposition to Tyneside as part of the ‘VisitMalta weekender’, which takes place on Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16 - a week before their Premier League opener at home to Liverpool.
The Magpies first take on Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, whom they drew 2-2 with in the league phase of last season’s Champions League, at 3pm on Saturday.
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The opponent for the following day will be confirmed later this month. The Gazette previously reported that Ligue 1 outfit Strasbourg were under consideration.
“Newcastle United will welcome European opposition to Tyneside this summer as St. James’ Park hosts the ‘VisitMalta Weekender 2026,” a club statement read.
“The two-day festival of football is scheduled for 15-16 August, giving the men’s and women’s squads a chance to intensify pre-season preparations in front of a home support.
“All matches across an action-packed weekend will be contested for VisitMalta Cup trophies, raising the stakes for the Magpies' return to St. James’ Park ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
“Eddie Howe’s side kick off the Weekender with a matchup against German Bundesliga giants Bayer 04 Leverkusen at 3pm on Saturday 15 August, ahead of a Sunday double-header.
“Tanya Oxtoby’s Magpies will get the action back under way with a women’s VisitMalta Cup clash, before the men’s squad return to the pitch later in the afternoon on Sunday 16 August.
“Opponents for the Sunday double-header will be announced later this month.”
Newcastle United pre-season schedule
Newcastle have now confirmed seven pre-season fixtures, with six of the opponents confirmed.
Howe’s side return for pre-season training on Monday, July 13, before hosting National League North side Darlington in a behind-closed-doors training ground friendly later that week.
The following week, Newcastle will travel across the Tyne to face Gateshead at the Gateshead International Stadium on Saturday, July 25 (kick-off 12:30pm).
A longer journey follows on Wednesday, July 29 (kick-off 7:30pm), when Newcastle face Championship side Bristol City at Ashton Gate.
The squad will then head to Spain for a training camp in La Manga, which concludes with a prestigious fixture against Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium on Saturday, August 8 (kick-off 8pm BST/9pm local time). The match will form part of Valencia's annual Trofeu Taronja.
Newcastle's final confirmed away fixture sees them take on Everton at Murrayfield in Edinburgh on Wednesday, August 12 (kick-off 5:15pm) before taking part in the VisitMalta weekender at St James’ Park.