Stoke City will conclude their 2026 pre-season preparations this evening as they host Spanish side Valencia at the bet365 Stadium. The fixture, scheduled for a 6:30pm BST kick-off, marks the final opportunity for the squad to refine their tactics before the competitive EFL Championship season commences.
Stoke enter the match in strong form, targeting a fifth consecutive pre-season victory. The club has maintained a positive momentum throughout their summer campaign, and today’s test against high-level opposition from La Liga serves as the final barometer for the manager’s tactical setup.
While no live linear UK television broadcast has been scheduled for the match, supporters can access live coverage through the official Stoke City website by purchasing a match pass for £5. The club is also providing mobile access via their official application. For those preferring audio coverage, BBC Radio Stoke will provide live commentary throughout the 90 minutes.
This encounter revives memories of the clubs’ only previous competitive meetings during the 2011-12 UEFA Europa League Round of 32. In that tie, Valencia proved superior, securing 1-0 victories in both the home and away legs to progress with a 2-0 aggregate scoreline. While today’s match carries no competitive stakes, it provides both clubs with a valuable chance to test their readiness against international opposition.