Manchester City are the most represented club at this year's World Cup with 17 players in North America. Of those, only three have been eliminated: Abdukodir Khusanov (Uzbekistan, group stage), Tijjani Reijnders and Nathan Ake (Netherlands, round of 32).
Return Dates and FIFPro Guidelines
According to FIFPro guidelines, players must have at least four weeks off after their final game. This means Khusanov, Reijnders and Ake could theoretically return by the final week of July. However, it is expected they will be afforded a longer break.
Miss Enzo Maresca's Introduction
All City players at the World Cup are set to miss Enzo Maresca's introduction to his new team. The Italian head coach's arrival was confirmed earlier this week.
Pre-Season Schedule
City's pre-season preparations for the 2025/26 season will begin on Monday, July 20, a day after the World Cup final in New Jersey. Gianluigi Donnarumma, Phil Foden and Rico Lewis will return on that date having not featured at the World Cup.
At the end of July, the Blues will fly to Hong Kong and South Korea for their pre-season tour. Their first fixture is on August 1 against Inter Milan in Hong Kong. They then face a K-League All Stars XI on August 5 in South Korea, and conclude with Atletico Madrid on August 9.
Competitive Start
A week later on August 16, City play Arsenal in the Community Shield at Cardiff's Principality Stadium. Their first Premier League fixture is on August 23 when they host Bournemouth.
