After yesterday's opening day, the second edition of the Como Cup gets further into full swing on the shores of Lake Como.
Yesterday's Group A matches established first place for RC Lens, followed in second place by the Portuguese side FC Famalicão, with Crystal Palace FC in third. Today, all the anticipation is for the debut of the hosts, Como 1907, ready to take to the pitch in Group B to contend for a place in the final alongside AlUla SC and Villarreal CF.
Today's matchday will also consist of three 45-minute matches, punctuated by a 3-minute cooling break in the 22nd minute of each match. In the event of a draw, matches will go straight to a penalty shootout. The final group standings will be constructed following this scheme: 3 points for each win in regular time, 2 points for each penalty shootout win, 1 point in the case of a penalty shootout defeat, and 0 points in the case of a defeat in regular time.
Cesc Fàbregas before Como Cup
"We are very happy to have this opportunity here, at our home, in Como, and to present this competition once again. Every year we try to bring stronger and stronger teams, to allow people to enjoy high-level matches at the Sinigaglia even during the summer."
Cesc Fàbregas spoke in the press conference ahead of the start of the second edition of the Como Cup, emphasizing the prestige of the tournament and the growing value of the opponents, whilst awaiting today's debut in Group B against Villarreal and AlUla.
"Every minute counts. Every minute of training and every minute of a match are important, because every season starts again from scratch and everyone has the same opportunities. Playing these two matches will be very important for us; it will be a huge test and I am very happy to have this opportunity."
Group B
AlUla SC
AlUla SC arrive at the 2026 Como Cup as part of one of the most ambitious projects in Saudi football, having secured back-to-back promotions from the Third Division to the First Division, the country's second tier.
The Saudi side also travel to Lake Como under new leadership, with experienced Portuguese head coach José Peseiro, formerly in charge of Nigeria and Venezuela National Team, taking the reins. Their squad features a wealth of international experience, including former Premier League defender Matija Nastasić, along with Yoann Barbet, Danilo Barbosa and Michael, all of whom have built their careers across Europe's and South America's top leagues.
Como 1907
Como 1907 make their first appearance in the second edition of the Como Cup following a historic season that saw the Club qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time. As hosts, the Lariani will use the tournament on the shores of Lake Como to continue building chemistry with new signings Milla, Kaiki, Liberali and Cuenca, while also giving opportunities to several Academy players as the squad regains match sharpness ahead of the new season.
Today's fixtures also offer the Club's new arrivals the chance to experience the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, meet the Lariani supporters and get to know the city of Como up close.
Villarreal
Villarreal arrive at the 2026 Como Cup following an impressive 2025/26 campaign, having finished third in La Liga to secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League. The Yellow Submarine also begin the tournament under new leadership, with young head coach Iñigo Pérez taking charge of the first team.
Boasting a squad with plenty of international quality, Villarreal can rely on the goals of striker Georges Mikautadze, the creativity of exciting young midfielder Alberto Moleiro, and the experience and flair of winger Nicolas Pépé.
First Match
AlUla SC vs Villarreal
- Date: Wednesday 29 July 2026
- Kick-off: 19:00 CEST
- Stadium: Giuseppe Sinigaglia, Como (Italy)
Second Match
Como 1907 vs AlUla SC
- Date: Wednesday 29 July 2026
- Kick-off: 20:30 CEST
- Stadium: Giuseppe Sinigaglia, Como (Italy)
Third Match
Villarreal vs Como 1907
- Date: Wednesday 29 July 2026
- Kick-off: 22:00 CEST
- Stadium: Giuseppe Sinigaglia, Como (Italy)
Where to Watch It
- Italy: Free on Como TV
- Rest of the world: On Como TV, behind a paywall