Arsenal set for historic pre-season north London derby showdown with Tottenham

Football fans in Hong Kong are in for a treat as Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur prepare to renew their fierce rivalry in a pre-season North London derby at the newly constructed Kai Tak Stadium on July 31 as part of their 2025-26 season preparations. This highly anticipated match will be historic, marking the first time Arsenal and Tottenham will play each other outside the UK. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM local time (11:30 AM BST).

The clash between Arsenal and Spurs is one of the headline fixtures in the Hong Kong Football Festival, an event that will also feature other top European teams. As part of the festivities, Liverpool will take on AC Milan in a high-profile showdown on July 26. For Arsenal, this trip marks a return to Hong Kong after 13 years, with their last visit coming in 2012. Tottenham, meanwhile, will be venturing into new territory after touring Japan and South Korea in 2024.

Speaking about the tour, Arsenal's Managing Director, Richard Garlick said: "Playing against Tottenham Hotspur in the magnificent new Kai Tak Stadium will be a great experience for both teams and supporters and will be a very important part of our pre-season preparations ahead of the new season.”

Whereas, Ryan Norys, chief revenue officer at Spurs added: "There are few bigger occasions in English football than a North London derby and to play this fixture in Hong Kong will be a huge occasion for our passionate fanbase across Asia, as well as providing ideal preparation for the team ahead of the new season. As is tour tradition, the Club will be involved in so much more than the match itself when we visit, supporting charitable causes, celebrating local culture, delivering football clinics for young people and engaging with fans and partners."

Arsenal have dominated their fierce rivals this season, securing a league double over Spurs. Their focus now shifts to their next Premier League encounter against Fulham on Tuesday, while Tottenham will prepare for a showdown with Chelsea on Thursday.