July summer friendlies feature best and brightest talents on TV

The slate of July summer friendlies on TV includes a number of world-class players. Oftentimes, these players are part of new teams, looking to make an instant impression on their new teammates and fans.

Plus, summer friendlies provide an opportunity to see matchups that would otherwise seem bizarre. A top Italian team playing a French side that finished the past season battling for a Champions League spot. Or, a Champions League team from Germany playing against a team just five points away from relegation in England.

These are weird fixtures, but that is what makes them fun. For some players, they use these games to just get fit with match-level intensity. Other plays have something to prove, generally for play time in the upcoming season.

We, as fans, have the opportunity to watch these players go head-to-head. However, due to the fact that these games are not part of an official league, they are not always available on TV in the United States. For example, Manchester United plays Crystal Palace on Tuesday, July 19. In the United States, this game does not have a broadcaster. However, you can watch the game using the club website. Oftentimes, that requires a paid-subscription specific to that club.

In any case, here are a few examples of the July summer friendlies that you can watch on TV.

July summer friendlies on US TV

Benfica vs. Nice – Friday, July 15 – 4 p.m. ET – ESPN Deportes, fubo TV, DirecTV Stream, Vidgo

This is one of those games that fans seldom get to see. Are either club a true European powerhouse constantly threatening for the UEFA Champions League? No. Yet, that does not make this a boring or bland game. Instead, take it as an opportunity to see how two of the underdogs in less-discussed leagues shape up heading into the 2022/23 season.

These two sides have just one prior meeting, coming back in 2013. Therefore, this July summer friendly is a rare meeting for the two.

Inter Milan vs. AS Monaco – Saturday, July 16 – 2:15 p.m. ET – ESPN3, Sling Orange

The return of Romelu Lukaku could be in store for Inter Milan as they take on a Monaco side prepping for another stint in the UEFA Champions League. Historically, Monaco played Inter in a total of four games. Those came over two legs in European Cup and Champions League qualifying. On both occasions, Inter advanced.

DC United vs. Bayern Munich – Wednesday, July 20 – 7:30 p.m. ET – ESPN+

On the 20th, there are five July summer friendlies involving MLS clubs and European opposition. One of those is DC United battling the most dominant side in German soccer. Wayne Rooney is the new head coach of DC United, making this something of a test for the former Derby manager. Even if it is a friendly, it can be a learning experience to play against a talented a strong side like Bayern.

Borussia Dortmund vs. Villarreal – Friday, July 22 – 1 p.m. ET – ESPN Deportes, fubo TV, DirecTV Stream, Vidgo

Two constant underdogs that put out great efforts on the European scene. Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal are fan favorites due to the passion they provide despite a relative lack of hardware compared to their rivals. Dortmund underwent some change this offseason, bringing in Sebastian Haller for the departing Erling Haaland. Villarreal will look to have a similar campaign to last season. However, there will be no European competition for the Yellow Submarine. Therefore, this contest is perhaps the side’s best competition outside Spain.

Manchester City vs. Bayern Munich – Saturday, July 23 – 6:30 p.m. ET – ESPN, ESPN Deportes, fubo TV, DirecTV Stream, Sling Orange, Vidgo

Without a doubt, this is the best of the July summer friendlies. Two clubs that have realistic expectations of not just success, but a treble of trophies or more, go head-to-head from historic Lambeau Field. The talent on display is second to none it seems, with Manchester City potentially bringing out the aforementioned Erling Haaland. Bayern Munich could have its way with some transfers as well. Matthijs De Ligt is a rumored name to be eyeing up a move to the Bavarians.

Check out our new schedule of club friendlies on US TV and streaming. Please note that the listings are subject to change. And with more than 50 friendlies scheduled in the United States alone this summer, there may be some late additions.