Manchester City and Club America to face off in Houston

International soccer returns to Houston as Premier League champions Manchester City take on thirteen time Liga MX champion Club America on July 20 at NRG Stadium.

The two historic clubs will face off in the inaugural "Copa de Lone Star," hosted by Lone Star Sports and Entertainment. Both teams have made the match official via their social media channels with tickets on sale to the general public on April 28. 

Fans can find more information at www.lsse.net/copadelonestar and purchase tickets via Ticketmaster. The Striker Texas subscribers can purchase tickets now with the following presale code: Dynamo

The match will mark Manchester City’s first international friendly in over two calendar years due to COVID-19 restrictions. The Cityzens played rivals Manchester United at NRG Stadium on July 20, 2017, in the first Manchester Derby outside of the United Kingdom. 

Club América returns to NRG Stadium for the first time since meeting F.C. Barcelona on August 9, 2006. Las Águilas (The Eagles) played in Houston in a friendly against fellow Liga MX club Tigres UANL last March.

What they said:

“We are thrilled at the opportunity to welcome these two iconic teams and their passionate fans back to Houston for one of this summer’s most exciting events,” said Greg Grissom, President of Lone Star Sports & Entertainment. “Manchester City and Club América are truly global brands. On July 20, the stage will be set at NRG Stadium for another exciting chapter in each club’s storied legacy.”

“Houston is the nation’s most diverse and inclusive city. We love sports and welcome fans worldwide to come and enjoy the electrifying atmosphere of great competition and sportsmanship,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. “We are honored to be the host city for the match between these two outstanding teams. The event is guaranteed to be huge for soccer fans and a big win for the City of Houston.”

“The game of soccer is as close as we get to having an international language,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. “As the third largest county in America, the most diverse in the nation and a destination for people and businesses from across the globe, we are delighted to welcome these two teams to Harris County. I’m confident these teams and their fans will not soon forget the wonderful hospitality, energy, and spirit of competition our region is known for.”

“We are excited to return to the United States for this summer’s preseason trip, our first since before COVID. Our players and coaches cannot wait to play once again in-person in front of our American fans, who have shown us such great support and passion,” said Omar Berrada, Chief Football Operations Officer at City Football Group. “Our first stop will be to Houston where we will take on Club América in our first preseason exhibition match. Houston is a city we are familiar with and have had the privilege to play at NRG Stadium before. Houston welcomed us with southern hospitality when we came for preseason in 2017 and we are really looking forward to returning to see our Texan fans.”

“Facing a rival like Manchester City is always an exciting opportunity and we’re very thankful for the invitation,” said Santiago Baños, President of Club América. “The upcoming match on July 20 is an incredible chance for fans in the United Kingdom, United States and abroad to better get to know Mexican football, and of course this represents an amazing opportunity for the Americanistas to watch their favorite team play against an elite international opponent.”