Cardiff brace for tough test against Midtjylland in pre‑season friendly

[Huw Evans Picture Agency] Cardiff City will host FC Midtjylland on Saturday at 12:30 BST in a pre‑season friendly that raises the intensity of their summer preparations. The match at the Cardiff City Stadium offers a sharp early gauge ahead of the new Championship campaign.

The Bluebirds take on the Danish outfit at the Cardiff City Stadium before travelling for a training camp in Cork, the home city of boss Brian Barry-Murphy. This fixture gives fans a chance to see the squad in action on home soil for the first time this pre‑season.

Cardiff are gearing up for their return to the Championship after bouncing back from relegation by winning promotion from League One last season. The club’s focus is on sharpening the squad for the challenges of the second tier.

Midtjylland, who finished second in the Danish top flight in 2025‑26, are four‑time Danish champions preparing for a Europa League qualifier against Turkish giants Besiktas later this month. Their participation adds a continental edge to the friendly.

Defender Perry Ng, who signed a new two‑year deal in May, said he is eager to get back on the pitch in front of home fans. "We look good – everyone looks sharp. It's been a good week," Ng told the Cardiff website, adding the match will be a tough test.

Cardiff begin the 2026‑27 season with a home Carabao Cup tie against League Two Swindon Town on Saturday, 8 August (15:00 BST) before hosting Wrexham in a blockbuster Championship opener on Monday, 17 August (20:00 BST). These fixtures underline the busy early schedule.

Barry-Murphy’s side will also face League of Ireland First Division side Cork City, National League outfit Forest Green Rovers and Italian giants AS Roma during the summer, adding a diverse set of opponents to the pre‑season itinerary.