Celtic’s Pre‑Season Opener vs Shelbourne

Match Details and Venue

Martin O’Neill’s side returns to action on Tuesday, July 7, when they face League of Ireland outfit Shelbourne at Tolka Park in Dublin. The fixture kicks off at 6:00 pm local time, with coverage beginning at 5:45 pm on the club’s streaming platform. Celtic are using this encounter as their first pre‑season test while camped in Ireland. Fans in the UK, Ireland and overseas can watch the game live by subscribing to CelticPlayer.

Upcoming Friendlies

After Dublin, the Hoops travel to Portugal for a clash with Sporting CP on July 14, scheduled for 5:30 pm Celtic Park time. The squad then returns to Glasgow for a home tie against English side Middlesbrough on July 18, set for a 3:00 pm kickoff at Paradise. The pre‑season schedule concludes on July 25 with a match against Italian giants AC Milan, also at Paradise, starting at 3:00 pm. All four friendlies are available live to subscribers.

Why This Matters

These warm‑up matches are crucial for O’Neill’s squad as they aim to build chemistry ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. Playing a variety of opponents—from Irish local clubs to Portuguese, English and Italian teams—offers diverse tactical challenges. The mix of evening and afternoon kick‑offs also helps the players adapt to different time zones and lighting conditions, a common staple in modern pre‑season planning.

Subscription Benefits Beyond the Friendlies

CelticPlayer subscribers gain access to more than just the pre‑season line‑up. The service includes live coverage of all domestic games throughout the season (excluding UK & Ireland video, with audio commentary and same‑day replays available). Members also enjoy exclusive pre‑season training camp access, behind‑the‑scenes content, and feature‑length documentaries. Signing up now ensures fans can follow the whole journey from the opening match against Shelbourne to the final whistle of the competitive season.

Don’t miss a moment of Celtic’s preparations. Subscribe to CelticPlayer today and stay connected from the first whistle to the final whistle.