Sporting CP announce two more friendlies in the Algarve

Sporting CP have confirmed two more high-profile pre-season matches at Estádio do Algarve (Algarve Stadium) as part of their preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.

The Portuguese champions will take on French side RC Strasbourg on July 20 before facing English Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest on July 31, adding to the previously announced friendly against Scottish champions Celtic on July 14.

The Lisbon club revealed its pre-season schedule this Monday, confirming that the squad will return to training at the Cristiano Ronaldo Academy on July 1 before heading south for its traditional training camp in the Algarve between July 11 and 20.

The clash against Strasbourg will conclude that Algarve training camp. The French side finished eighth in Ligue 1 last season and secured qualification for European competition.

Later in the month, Sporting will return to the Algarve for a meeting with Nottingham Forest, who finished 16th in the Premier League in the 2025/26 season.

The match will take place just six days after Sporting host AS Monaco at Estádio José Alvalade for the annual Troféu Cinco Violinos on July 25.

The trio of Algarve friendlies means local football fans will have the opportunity to watch clubs from Scotland, France and England in action against the reigning Portuguese champions without leaving the region.

Estádio do Algarve has become a regular venue for summer training camps and pre-season fixtures involving major European clubs, thanks to the region’s climate and training facilities.

SL Benfica have also confirmed they will be playing two friendly matches at the stadium.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.