Sunderland's confirmed pre-season friendlies: Date, location, kick-off times and how to watch

Sunderland are preparing for a successive year of Premier League football, after an excellent return to the top flight.

Ascending last May, Regis Le Bris' side settled like a duck to water, finishing in a Europa League spot on the final day.

Experiencing the top flight for the first time in eight years, the Black Cats would embark on an incredible journey.

Results against the league's best, doing the derby double over Newcastle, and securing European football for the first time since the 70s, see the 2025-26 campaign take its place in the history books.

However, the work starts again now, with the Wearsiders preparing for a balancing act of league and continental football.

With this in mind, Mackem News takes a look at what supporters need to know as the new term draws closer.

When do Sunderland return to pre-season training?

While there has been no official announcement made regarding a date, there are some clues with just when pre-season training will start.

The Black Cats open their preparation on 18 July, as they take on York City.

Usually, this would suggest that the players have been back on the pitch for at least two weeks as they get back up to speed.

With this in mind, the first full week of July could be something to look out for on Sunderland's social media channels.

They will of course, be without nine players initially, including Granit Xhaka, Brian Brobbey and Chemsdine Talbi, due to their World Cup commitments.

What can Sunderland fans look forward to in pre-season?

With friendlies in the United States against Liverpool, Leeds and Wrexham confirmed previously, Sunderland's full schedule is now available.

Opening their programme with a trip to the LNER Community Stadium, Le Bris' side will face York City on Saturday July 18, before the Stateside trip begins.

After this, they will play Liverpool in Nashville on July 25, Leeds in New Jersey on July 30, and Wrexham in Pennsylvania on August 2.

After a period in the lower leagues, this is a big summer trip for Sunderland, with fans potentially buzzing to attend the tour.

The Black Cats will face RC Lens in a double header in France on 8 August, before they welcome Stade Rennais to the Stadium of Light for one final pre-season fixture - preparing fans for the start of the season.

As per the club website, ticketing and streaming details will be confirmed over the coming weeks.