Real Madrid are preparing for the 2026-27 campaign under José Mourinho, with a shortened pre-season programme following the FIFA World Cup.
The Spanish giants began preparations at Ciudad Real Madrid in mid-July, although several senior players were absent after representing their countries at the World Cup. Mourinho has instead worked with a reduced first-team squad and several Castilla prospects during the opening phase of pre-season.
Los Blancos have already stepped onto the pitch this summer, beating AD Alcorcón 1-0 in a behind-the-closed-doors friendly at the club’s training complex. The match served primarily as a fitness exercise, with youth players heavily involved alongside first-team regulars. Dani Yáñez scored the only goal from the penalty spot after Arda Güler had earlier missed from 12 yards. Teenager Franco Mastantuono was among the standout performers, while Eduardo Camavinga impressed in midfield.
Real Madrid’s first public pre-season fixture comes against Fiorentina in Austria on 1 August before they travel to Budapest to face Hungarian champions Ferencváros a week later. Mourinho’s side will then return to Spain to take on Deportivo La Coruña in the traditional Teresa Herrera Trophy, which is expected to be their final warm-up match before the start of the La Liga season. Although only two friendlies had initially been confirmed by the club, the Ferencváros fixture was added later to complete Madrid’s current pre-season schedule.
Real Madrid begin their La Liga campaign away to Espanyol before returning to the Santiago Bernabéu for their home opener against Real Sociedad.
Real Madrid pre-season fixtures
25 July: Real Madrid 1-0 AD Alcorcón (behind closed doors – completed)
1 August: Real Madrid vs Fiorentina – Wörthersee Stadion, Klagenfurt, Austria (6pm local time)
8 August: Ferencváros vs Real Madrid – Groupama Arena, Budapest (7pm local time)
12 August: Deportivo La Coruña vs Real Madrid – Estadio ABANCA-Riazor, Teresa Herrera Trophy (9pm local time)
Real Madrid’s preparations may be shorter than those of several European rivals, but the fixtures should give Mourinho enough time to integrate returning World Cup players before competitive action resumes. With Fiorentina, Ferencváros and Deportivo all offering different tactical tests, Los Blancos will hope to hit the ground running as they bid to reclaim the La Liga title.
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