Grealish, Foden and FA Youth Cup stars set to face Maresca in Man City's pre-season opener

Manchester City open their 2026 pre-season on Monday, July 20, with new head coach Enzo Maresca taking charge of his first session at the club. Players who were not involved in this summer’s World Cup are expected to be present, giving Maresca an early look at a significant portion of his squad.

Among those in line to attend are Gianluigi Donnarumma, Rico Lewis, Jack Grealish, Kalvin Phillips, Phil Foden, Nico Gonzalez and Savinho — all of whom were absent from World Cup duty. In line with FIFPro recommendations, City typically grant players who did participate at least four weeks off, meaning the bulk of the squad will remain on rest for the time being.

The session also offers a platform for the club’s emerging talent. Jeremy Monga could meet his new teammates for the first time following his big-money move from Leicester City. Ryan McAidoo, Reigan Heskey, Harrison Miles and Teddie Lamb — all part of the Under-18 side that won the FA Youth Cup last season — will be hoping to catch Maresca’s eye during the summer programme.

City’s pre-season tour takes them to Asia, where they will face Inter Milan on Saturday, August 1, a K-League XI on Wednesday, August 5, and Atletico Madrid on Sunday, August 9. The competitive calendar then begins in earnest with the Community Shield against Arsenal on Sunday, August 16, before the Premier League gets under way the following week.