FC Porto defeats Birmingham 2-1 in pre‑season friendly in England

FC Porto concluded its pre‑season training at St George’s Park in England with a 2‑1 win over Championship side Birmingham City. Birmingham took the lead after eight minutes through August Priske, but Porto equalised in the 38th minute when André Silva scored from a Victor Froholdt assist, and Pepê sealed the victory with a penalty in the 82nd minute.

The closed‑door match allowed coach Francesco Farioli to rotate a large portion of his squad ahead of the upcoming season. Injured or rested players included Martim Fernandes (effort management), Vasco Sousa, André Miranda and goalkeeper Samu, who was granted permission to travel to the United States to attend the 2026 World Cup final.

Porto returned to Portugal to resume training at the Jorge Costa centre in Vila Nova de Gaia, with further friendlies scheduled against Gil Vicente and Aston Villa before the season opener on 9 August.