HONG KONG — Football fever is sweeping Hong Kong as the city gears up to host the first-ever overseas North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the state-of-the-art Kai Tak Sports Park. This pre-season friendly, part of the Hong Kong Football Festival 2025, marks a historic moment for football in Asia, bringing one of English football’s fiercest rivalries to a global stage.
A Historic Matchup
The North London Derby, a fixture renowned for its intensity and passion, will take place at the newly opened 50,000-capacity Kai Tak Sports Park, with kick-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. local time (11:30 a.m. BST). The match has already generated immense excitement, with tickets selling out rapidly, reflecting the strong support for both Arsenal and Tottenham in the region. This event is not only a treat for local fans but also a significant step in Hong Kong’s ambition to establish itself as a hub for major international sporting events.
Arsenal’s Star-Studded Squad
Arsenal is arriving in Hong Kong with a formidable squad, showcasing all five of their summer signings: striker Viktor Gyökeres, midfielders Martín Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard, defender Cristhian Mosquera, and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Gunners’ roster is packed with talent, including captain Martin Ødegaard, England winger Bukayo Saka, and German forward Kai Havertz, ensuring a high-quality performance for fans. The only notable absence is forward Madueke, but the depth of Arsenal’s squad promises an exciting display.
Here is Arsenal’s full squad for the Hong Kong clash:
| Position | Players |
| Forwards | Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri, Reiss Nelson, Kai Havertz, Ismeal Kabia, Max Dowman, Andre Harriman-Annous |
| Midfielders | Martin Ødegaard, Christian Nørgaard, Mikel Merino, Albert-Mboyo Sambi Lokonga, Martín Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Louie Copley |
| Defenders | William Saliba, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber, Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Josh Nichols, Marli Salmon, Cristhian Mosquera |
| Goalkeepers | David Raya, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Tommy Setford, Alexei Rojas-Fedorushchenko |
Tottenham Hotspur, while not disclosing a detailed squad list, is expected to field a competitive team, given the significance of the occasion. The match, dubbed the Herbalgy Trophy, underscores the rivalry’s intensity, with no friendly encounters between these two sides.
Voices from the Clubs
Arsenal’s managing director, Richard Garlick, expressed enthusiasm about the trip: “Everyone at Arsenal is excited to be visiting Hong Kong in July. It’s great to be back with our men’s first team squad after 13 years, and gives us the opportunity to meet so many of our fantastic supporters in the region again.” This marks Arsenal’s first visit to Hong Kong since 2012, highlighting the club’s commitment to engaging with its global fanbase.
Tottenham’s chief revenue officer, Ryan Norys, echoed similar sentiments: “There are few bigger occasions in English football than a North London Derby, and to play this fixture in Hong Kong will be a huge occasion for our passionate fanbase across Asia, as well as providing ideal preparation for the team ahead of the new season.” Tottenham’s recent pre-season tours in Asia, including Japan and South Korea in 2024, demonstrate their strong connection with the region.
The Hong Kong Football Festival 2025
The North London Derby is a centerpiece of the Hong Kong Football Festival 2025, which also features a blockbuster match between Liverpool and AC Milan on July 26. Organized by TEG Sport and sanctioned by the Hong Kong Government and the Football Association of Hong Kong, China, the festival showcases four of the world’s top football clubs. The event includes open training sessions, with Arsenal’s scheduled for July 30 at 6:00 p.m. and Tottenham’s on July 29 at 6:00 p.m., both at Kai Tak Sports Park. These sessions offer fans a unique opportunity to watch their favorite teams prepare at close range.
Ticket prices for the matches ranged from HK$399 to HK$2,499 for Category A seats along the east and west sides of the stadium, with dedicated fan zones for Arsenal (south stand) and Tottenham (north stand) supporters. The rapid sell-out of tickets underscores the immense popularity of these clubs in Asia.
A Boost for Hong Kong’s Sporting Ambitions
The Hong Kong Football Festival 2025 highlights the city’s growing status as a destination for major international sporting events. Kai Tak Sports Park, which opened in March 2025, is Hong Kong’s newest hub for sports and entertainment, and hosting this historic derby reinforces its position as a world-class venue. The event also strengthens the bond between Premier League clubs and their Asian fanbase, with both Arsenal and Tottenham engaging in community activities, such as football clinics and charitable initiatives, during their visit. Former Tottenham and England defender Ledley King commented on the significance of the match: “We’re obviously neighbors back home, so it’s going to be strange to come all the way across the other side of the world to play your neighbors, but it’s fantastic for the fans in Asia.” His remarks capture the unique blend of rivalry and global appeal that this match brings to Hong Kong.
