Friendly Match: Preseason, Friendlies and Exhibition Games

Friendly matches are where managers try new ideas, players chase fitness, and fans spot potential signings before the season really starts. On Ginger Apple News you'll find quick updates, schedules and practical tips so you know which games matter and how to watch them.

Why friendlies matter

Think friendlies are meaningless? Not really. Clubs use them to test formations, blood young players and build match fitness without the pressure of league points. For example, Eintracht Frankfurt’s 2025 U.S. pre-season tour — with games against Aston Villa, Louisville City and Philadelphia Union — is about building chemistry and growing the club’s profile in America. Those matches tell you which players might break into the starting XI and who needs more time.

International teams use exhibition games to try new tactics and integrate new faces ahead of big tournaments. For clubs, friendlies can also be a place to trial new signings and show potential buyers or scouts how a player performs in a low-stress setting. Keep an eye on minutes played: a long run often means the coach trusts that player for the season.

How to watch and what to look for

Want to catch a friendly live? Broadcasters vary: some friendlies stream on club platforms, local channels or services like ESPN+ and DAZN. Check club websites or our match posts for links and broadcast notes. If you can’t watch, highlights and short clips usually appear soon after the final whistle.

When you do watch, focus on a few simple things: who’s starting, how long key players stay on, new formations, and set-piece routines. Notice fitness levels — heavy legs late in the game can mean a player needs more preseason work. Also watch substitutes who change the game; they often become impact players in the competitive season.

Tickets for friendlies are usually cheaper and easier to get than league matches, so they’re a great chance to see stars up close. Tours, like Eintracht’s stops in Louisville and Philadelphia, create local buzz and give fans a rare chance to watch top European sides domestically.

On this tag page we collect every friendly-related story we publish: pre-season tours, exhibition fixtures, and practical viewing tips. Bookmark the page before tour season and check back for updates on lineups, streaming info and quick recaps after each match. That way you’ll know which performances to trust when the real competitions start.

Got a friendly you want us to cover or a streaming tip to share? Send us a note. We read fan tips and often add them to our match guides to make it easier for everyone to watch and enjoy these useful, low-pressure games.