While the World Cup is still raging, Premier League clubs are already back at it, hitting pre-season training and kicking off friendly matches across the globe. Seriously, the league doesn't officially return until August 21, but some of these clubs are already deep in match action before the World Cup final even drops.
The Global Pre-Season Takeover
These teams are not messing around when it comes to getting warmed up. We're talking games spread out from Hong Kong to New York, and even hitting up spots like York and Bristol. Chelsea's out there in Sydney, facing off against Western Sydney Wanderers on July 28 and then Tottenham on August 1. They've also got Juventus, AC Milan, and Johor Darul Ta'zim lined up in Hong Kong and Jakarta. Aston Villa is on a wild tour too, heading to Jakarta for Indonesia All-Stars on August 1, then Thailand for BG Pathum United, before swinging through Hong Kong to play Bayern Munich on August 7. It's truly a global showcase to get these squads dialed in for the season ahead.Early Results and Big Match-Ups
Some teams have already logged early results. Everton absolutely demolished Dundee with a 4-0 win on July 18. Talk about starting strong! Coventry, on the other hand, played out a tight 0-0 draw with Northampton on the same day. These early friendlies are all about shaking off the rust and building chemistry. Arsenal has a monster schedule ahead, playing Girona, Real Betis, and Borussia Dortmund before a Community Shield showdown against Manchester City on August 16. That's a serious test right before the season officially kicks off! Brentford is facing Stade Rennais and Eintracht Frankfurt. Brighton has Roma and Bologna on the schedule. These are top-tier opponents, perfect for getting the squad ready for the grind of the Premier League. The official Premier League return is August 21, but these early matches are giving us a taste of what's to come. With games scattered from Asia to Europe, every kick-off is a step closer to the real thing. Keep your eyes peeled as more of these friendlies play out, because the season will be here before you know it!This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.