Pitch International confirms Manchester City and Atlético de Madrid fixtures for 2026 Coupang Play Series
Pitch International (Pitch) is pleased to confirm that Manchester City and Atlético de Madrid will headline the 2026 Coupang Play Series, with two high-profile fixtures set to take place in Seoul, South Korea this August.
The fifth edition of the Coupang Play Series will see Manchester City take on a K League All-Star side on Wednesday 5 August, before facing Atlético de Madrid in a highly anticipated rematch on Sunday 9 August. Both matches will be held at the Seoul World Cup Stadium and form part of the clubs’ pre-season preparations.
The Coupang Play Series, launched in 2022, has quickly established itself as one of Asia’s premier football events. The event is organised and globally promoted by Pitch in partnership with Coupang Corp., with the shared ambition of bringing world-class European football to Korean fans each summer. Previous editions have featured leading European teams including Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Newcastle United.
The two sides last met during the 2023 Coupang Play Series, where Atlético de Madrid secured a 2–1 victory in a competitive and entertaining fixture. Their upcoming clash is expected to once again deliver a high-quality contest for supporters.
In addition to the club fixtures, the series will also showcase domestic talent, with a K League All-Star team selected to face Manchester City.
Pitch continues to play a key role in the delivery and promotion of the Coupang Play Series, supporting the event across media rights, international coordination and team logistics.
Peter Laundy, Senior Vice President of Partnerships, City Football Group said, “We are delighted to confirm the final fixtures of Manchester City men’s preseason tour and we’re incredibly excited to be returning to Seoul – this time for two fixtures.
“We received such an exceptional welcome when we visited in 2023, with a sell-out crowd for our fixture against Atletico Madrid and thousands of fans attending our open training while we were in the city. We’re looking forward to an exciting rematch, connecting with our fans in Korea and spending more time in the country this year.”
A K League official said, “The Coupang Play Series has consistently driven the league’s popularity by uncovering fresh talent and creating buzz every year.” The official continued, “We are dedicated to preparing for this year’s clash with Manchester City, ensuring it serves as an opportunity to demonstrate the K League’s competitiveness and provide football fans with an unforgettable experience.”
Mateu Alemany, Atlético de Madrid Sports Director said, “It's a pleasure for us to play the “Coupang Play Series” in Seoul. It's a tremendous honour for Atlético de Madrid to return to South Korea and have the opportunity to play a match against a top-class opponent such as Manchester City.
We’re really looking forward to enjoying the atmosphere in Seoul and experiencing the support of its passionate fans. For us, this is a key match in our preparation for the season.”
Anthony Bloch, Director of Events and Football Partnerships, Pitch International said, “We’re delighted to be bringing Manchester City and Atlético de Madrid to the 2026 Coupang Play Series, alongside another exciting fixture featuring the K League All-Stars. Our partnership with Coupang continues to go from strength to strength, and we’re proud to deliver another edition of the Series that showcases elite football and global fan engagement. It’s another important step in Pitch’s mission to connect leading clubs with new audiences through memorable live experiences.”