The best football games to watch in July 2025

With the start of the 2025/26 league season now just over one month away, clubs across the world will start to ramp up their preparations during July.

The ongoing 2025 Club World Cup tournament in the United States is heading towards a thrilling culmination and will dominate proceedings during the early part of the month.

Most of Europe’s big hitters have progressed to the knockout stage, setting up the prospect of a blockbuster final in New Jersey on July 13

With plenty of other pre-season and European action also on the agenda, read on as we take a look at some of the best football games to watch in July 2025.

Palmeiras vs Chelsea – Club World Cup – July 4

Chelsea swept past Benfica in the round of 16 to keep themselves in contention to claim the Club World Cup title for the second time.

The London outfit are scheduled to face Palmeiras in the quarter-finals on July 4 and would be well advised not to underestimate the threat they pose.

The Blues were defeated 3-1 by Brazilian side Flamengo in the group stage and Palmeiras will fancy their chances of matching their achievement.

However, Enzo Maresca’s side are the bookmakers’ favourites to progress to the last four and should be a good bet to get the job done in Philadelphia.

Paris Saint Germain vs Bayern Munich – Club World Cup – July 5

Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich will go head-to-head in a blockbuster Club World Cup quarter-final clash in Atlanta on July 5.

The French club swatted aside Inter Miami in the previous round, while Bayern produced a strong performance to defeat Flamengo.

PSG claimed the Champions League title at the end of May and are eager to demonstrate why they are worthy European champions.

However, Bayern looked in good nick in their last-16 tie and will undoubtedly give PSG plenty to think about at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Club World Cup final – July 13

The four confirmed quarter-finalists will have their sights firmly set on making it through to the final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 13.

Chelsea are in the same half of the draw as Manchester City. They could meet their Premier League counterparts in the semi-final on July 8.

The winners of the PSG versus Bayern tie will likely face Real Madrid or Borussia Dortmund in the semi-final if those two teams navigate their respective last-16 ties.

While the revamped Club World Cup has not met with universal approval, the final stages of the tournament look guaranteed to produce some fireworks.

Celtic vs Newcastle United – Pre-season friendly – July 19

Celtic and Newcastle United will engage in an eye-catching Battle of Britain at Parkhead on July 19.

The reigning Scottish Premiership champions are a tough nut to crack on their own patch and will be fired up to prove their worth against the Premier League side.

The Magpies have qualified for the 2025/26 Champions League, so this fixture will be a good test of the ability to handle a fixture in a hostile environment.

Newcastle have been struggling to add to their squad during the summer transfer window, but will hope to have a couple of new players in place when they visit Glasgow.

Rangers vs Panathinaikos – Champions League – July 22/30

Rangers face a stern test against Panathinaikos towards the end of the month as they strive to progress towards the Champions League group stage.

The Scottish Premiership club finished a long way behind Celtic last season and need to garner revenue from their European exploits to boost their chances of closing the gap.

Panathinaikos reached the last 16 of the Europa Conference League last season and will be keen to make their mark in UEFA’s top-tier competition.

However, Rangers progressed to the Europa League quarter-final last term and should edge what promise to be two thrilling encounters.

Manchester United vs West Ham United – Premier League Summer Series – July 26

Manchester United and West Ham United will head into the 2025/26 season desperate to put memories of the previous campaign firmly behind them.

The Red Devils finished 15th in the Premier League last season, while their hopes of winning the Europa League were scuppered by Tottenham Hotspur.

The Hammers were one point and one place ahead of United, but ultimately had nothing to crow about given their hugely underwhelming season.

The two sides will have a chance to lay down an early marker for the new campaign when they face each other in the Premier League Summer Series in New Jersey on July 26.

The best football games to watch in July 2025