Full Breakdown
Real Madrid’s Budapest Pre-Season Friendly Against Ferencvaros
8/8/2026, 10:45:17 PM
Core Event
On Saturday, August 8, 2026, Real Madrid travelled to the Ferencváros Stadion in Budapest for a pre-season friendly against Hungarian side Ferencvaros. The match was broadcast live on Real Madrid TV and streamed internationally via RM Play. Real Madrid fielded a mixed squad that included several first-team regulars and recent signings.
Background & Context
Real Madrid’s 2026-27 pre-season began with a 4-1 win over Leganes and a 2-2 draw with Fiorentina in Austria. The Budapest fixture is the third friendly of the tour and follows the club’s re-appointment of José Mourinho after the 2025-26 campaign. The match offers an early assessment of his revamped squad ahead of the La Liga opener on August 23, 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
José Mourinho told The Hindu he is “eager to fine-tune his squad” during the Budapest friendly, indicating a focus on tactical assessment rather than result. Real Madrid’s communications confirm the match will be streamed on Real Madrid TV and RM Play.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Kylian Mbappé’s status – Athlon Sports says Mbappé is not playing because he has not returned from his post-World Cup vacation, but notes he is expected to re-join training on Monday. No other source confirms his exact return date.
- Vinícius Jr.’s role – Athlon Sports reports he will be on the bench and may be introduced in the second half, while other outlets simply list him among the “many first-team stars” available.
These discrepancies illustrate the fluid nature of squad selection during pre-season.
Timeline
- May 17, 2026 – Vinícius Jr. scores in a La Liga match.
- May 23, 2026 – Kylian Mbappé appears in a La Liga match.
- Early August 2026 – Pre-season matches: 4-1 win vs Leganes; 2-2 draw vs Fiorentina.
- August 8, 2026 – Friendly vs Ferencvaros in Budapest.
- August 13, 2026 – Scheduled La Liga friendly vs Deportivo RC.
- August 16, 2026 – Scheduled friendly vs Schalke 04 in Germany.
- August 23, 2026 – La Liga season opener vs Espanyol.
What’s Next
After the Budapest match, Real Madrid will finish its European pre-season tour with fixtures against Deportivo RC on August 13 and Schalke 04 on August 16, then begin its domestic campaign with the La Liga opener against Espanyol on August 23, 2026. Mourinho is expected to use the remaining friendlies to finalize his tactical setup and assess the fitness of returning stars such as Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé.
