Erling Haaland's Man City debut vs. Club América? Match preview, ticket info, how to watch

HOUSTON – International friendlies are back in the United States.

Eight-time Premier League champions Manchester City and 13-time Liga MX champions Club América face off at NRG Stadium in Houston, for a club friendly in Texas, fondly named the "Copa de Lone Star."

Announcement: Manchester City, Club America return to NRG Stadium on July 20

Man City fans from around the country will be in town for this one as the potential debut of new signing Erling Haaland is a large possibility. Whether the Citizens are the team with most fans remains to be seen, however, as Mexico's Club América will be well represented in the stands. 

Tickets are still available for this encounter, digitally, on Ticketmaster. The lowest entry available starts at $35 (plus fees) and range up to $190 at face value and upwards of $700 on resale.

KICKOFF TIME: 8:10 p.m. CT at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas

HOW TO WATCH: The match will broadcast in English on ESPN2 from 8-10 p.m. CT. In Spanish, TUDN will broadcast the match with a pre-game show starting at 7 p.m. CT.

LAST TIME OUT: This will be Manchester City's first preseason match. Club América fell 2-1 to Chelsea FC on Saturday in Las Vegas.

TRAVELING ROSTERS

Manchester City

The English champions are bringing a variety of their stars for this one. The updated traveling roster is as follows:

Kyle Walker, Rúben Dias, Kalvin Phillips, Nathan Aké, Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish, Rodrigo, Kevin De Bruyne, Stefan Ortega, Julian Alvarez, Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez, João Cancelo, Ederson, Scott Carson, Liam Delap, Kayky, Luke Mbete, Cole Palmer, James McAtee, Josh Wilson-Esbrand, Oscar Bobb, Rico Lewis, Finley Burns and Ben Knight.

Club América

Off to a 1-1-1 record in the Apertura 2022 season, Club América has brought its Liga MX squad to test themselves against some of the world's best. The club returns to league play over the weekend.

Among some of the names on the traveling roster are Guillermo Ochoa, Jorge Sánchez, Sebastian Caceres, Pedro Aquino, Jonathan dos Santos, Alvaro Fidalgo, Bruno Valdez, Miguel Layun, Henry Martin and Jurgen Damm.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Manchester City: Erling Haaland, forward — There are plenty of stars on Man City's roster, but the entire world will tune in to see Haaland possibly play his first minutes with his new club. The 21-year-old forward developed into a beast up front for Borussia Dortmund and was one of the most coveted players for a transfer to one of the world powers in the sport. The Norwegian was acquired in May by the Citizens after activating the player's €60 million release clause.

Club América: Guillermo Ochoa, goalkeeper — The Mexican giants aren't exactly what they used to be in Liga MX, but they're still one of the most recognizable clubs globally. Mexican national team goalkeeper "Memo" Ochoa is the most recognizable face, and the one that has been on all the advertisements promoting this match. He'll be in the spotlight for sure when he faces off against some of the most feared goalscorers on the planet.

KEY MATCHUP: International firepower

Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva were among City's top scorers during the previous Premier League season. Haaland is coming off scoring over 20 goals in consecutive seasons with Dortmund in the Bundesliga. These are some of the top names fans want to see score at NRG Stadium.

Henry Martin could use a goal to begin to raise his level in the Mexican national team as the World Cup looms. Former Atlanta United winger Jurgen Damm could also use a boost to resurrect his playing career in Liga MX. Plenty of reasons for goals in Houston on Wednesday night.

FOR THE WIN: A celebration for all

Above the result, this one will be a celebration of the sport, as it is anytime an international friendly comes to Houston. Two of the city's international sectors will mix for this one so there should be no lack of electricity in the air at NRG Stadium. Matches like this one are a reason why Houston was selected as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Add another one to the list as the "Copa de Lone Star" will showcase two of the most supported clubs in the Bayou City.