Steelers to Host Liverpool F.C. in Soccer Friendly at Acrisure Stadium

For the first time since 2018, an international friendly will be played in Pittsburgh, as the Steelers will host Liverpool F.C. of the English Premier League against Real Betis of the Spanish La Liga on July 26 at Acrisure Stadium for the Iron City Showdown.

These two teams have not faced one another since the 2005 group stage of the UEFA Champions League. This will also be the first time that both clubs are competing in Pittsburgh.

The last international soccer match played in Pittsburgh came in 2018, when Borussia Dortmond, with US International and Hershey, PA native Christian Pulisic made his first and only appearance in the Steel City, took on Benfica FC.

The stadium also hosted Manchester City against A.C. Milan in 2014 and two United States Women’s National Team matches: an 8-0 win over Costa Rica in 2015 that set the stadium soccer attendance record at 44,028, and a match against Iceland in 2004.

Presale for tickets opens Wednesday, April 10, at 10 a.m. Tickets for the general public will go on sale on Ticketmaster,  Thursday, April 11 at 9 a.m.

One of the most popular and winning soccer teams, Liverpool F.C. has won 19 domestic league titles, eight FA Cups, and six European Cups.  Liverpool F.C., currently 2nd in the Premier League table, has been one of the most successful English clubs in recent years. Before last season, Liverpool F.C. finished inside the Premier League’s top four each season since 2016-2017, and winning the league in 2019-2020.

Dutch Defender Virgil van Dijk, Uruguayan forward Darwin Núñez, and Egyptian forward Mo Salah lead the squadsitting at the top of the Premier League table.

Speaking about the addition of a third game to LFC’s pre-season tour schedule, Ben Latty, the club’s commercial director, said:

“Adding Pittsburgh to our pre-season tour schedule is a great way to start our eagerly anticipated return to the USA. We were delighted to quickly sell out our fixtures against Arsenal and Manchester United on this tour and are equally excited to be able to offer our supporters in the States another opportunity to see Liverpool F.C. play. Real Betis will come with a strong squad and it’s going to be a great occasion in another iconic setting, in another fantastic US city.”

Real Betis founded in 1907 is based in Sevilleand is the three-time winner of the Copa Del Rey, most recently in 2022, defeating Valencia.

Spanish star Isco Alarcon and World Cup champions Nabil Fekir, German Pezzella and Guido Rodriguez headline the Real Betis squad, alongside American midfielder Johnny Cardoso who plays for the US National Team.
“No doubt, this game excites us for a set of different reasons,” said Real Betis’ CEO Ramon Alarcon.

“Playing against a great club like Liverpool F.C. is a chance for us to measure our potential. This match brings back memories of our debut in the UEFA Champions League during the 2005/2006 season and the amazing atmosphere we experienced both at the Benito Villamarin Stadium and Anfield Stadium.

Additionally, both clubs share common values and a wide fan base with a strong feeling towards our colors. It will be nice to meet again in Pittsburgh after 19 years.”

A version of this story originally appeared at our partner site, Pittsburgh Soccer Now.