Updated: August 15, 2026

Newcastle United host Bayer Leverkusen at St. James' Park in a major pre-season friendly.

Newcastle vs Leverkusen: Match Time and Preview

Newcastle vs Leverkusen is one of the notable European club friendlies taking place on Saturday, August 15, 2026, as Newcastle United continue their preparations for the 2026/27 season. The match is being played at St. James' Park in Newcastle and forms part of the club's VisitMalta Weekender. Newcastle's official fixture information lists the game as a friendly against Bundesliga side Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

The match is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. BST. For viewers in Bangladesh, that is 8:00 p.m. Bangladesh Standard Time. The fixture is particularly interesting because Newcastle and Leverkusen also met during the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League league phase, when they drew 2-2 in Germany.

When Is Newcastle vs Leverkusen?

Newcastle United will face Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at St. James' Park. Newcastle's official fixture page lists a 2:00 p.m. local listing, while the club's published event information gives the kickoff as 3:00 p.m. BST. The club's ticket information also confirms the August 15 fixture as a 3:00 p.m. kickoff.

Where Is the Match Being Played?

The game will take place at St. James' Park, Newcastle United's home stadium. The match is the opening men's fixture of the VisitMalta Weekender, a two-day pre-season football event hosted by Newcastle United.

The weekend is designed to give Newcastle's squad additional preparation ahead of the new Premier League campaign. The Magpies' next scheduled Premier League fixture is a home meeting with Liverpool on August 23.

Is Newcastle vs Leverkusen a Champions League Match?

No. The August 15 meeting is a friendly match and is part of Newcastle's pre-season preparations. It is not a UEFA Champions League fixture.

The two clubs did, however, meet in the Champions League during the 2025/26 campaign. Their league-phase fixture at the BayArena on December 10, 2025 ended in a 2-2 draw. UEFA's head-to-head record lists three meetings between the clubs, with Newcastle winning two, one ending in a draw and Leverkusen yet to record a victory over Newcastle in those encounters.

Newcastle vs Leverkusen Team News

The match provides Newcastle manager Eddie Howe with another opportunity to assess his squad before the Premier League season begins. Newcastle's pre-season schedule has included matches against Bristol City, Gateshead, Valencia and Everton before the Leverkusen game.

Leverkusen arrive as Bundesliga opposition with significant European experience. Their involvement makes the fixture a useful test for Newcastle before competitive football begins.

Because this is a pre-season game, lineups and substitutions can differ significantly from a competitive fixture. Supporters should check the official team sheets shortly before kickoff for confirmed starters and substitutes.

Previous Newcastle vs Leverkusen Meetings

Newcastle and Bayer Leverkusen have a relatively small competitive history. UEFA records three previous meetings between the clubs.

• Leverkusen 2-2 Newcastle — December 10, 2025
• Leverkusen 1-3 Newcastle — February 18, 2003
• Newcastle 3-1 Leverkusen — February 26, 2003

Newcastle therefore enter the latest meeting with an unbeaten record against Leverkusen across their previous three encounters.

What Makes Newcastle vs Leverkusen Interesting?

The fixture combines two clubs preparing for demanding domestic campaigns while also providing a repeat of a recent Champions League matchup. For Newcastle, the game is another chance to build fitness, test tactical combinations and settle the squad ahead of the Premier League opener.

For Leverkusen, the visit to St. James' Park offers a strong pre-season test against Premier League opposition. The different styles and demands of English and German football add another layer of interest to the friendly.

What Comes Next for Newcastle?

Newcastle's 2026/27 Premier League campaign is scheduled to begin at home against Liverpool on Sunday, August 23, 2026. The Magpies will therefore have just over a week between the Leverkusen friendly and their opening league fixture.

The timing makes the Leverkusen game one of Newcastle's final major preparations before competitive action begins. It should provide useful information about the squad's physical condition and tactical readiness.

Bottom Line

Newcastle vs Leverkusen takes place on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at St. James' Park as part of Newcastle United's pre-season schedule. The friendly gives both clubs a high-level test before the start of their respective domestic campaigns.

For fans following the fixture from Bangladesh, the scheduled 3:00 p.m. BST kickoff corresponds to approximately 8:00 p.m. local time. Newcastle and Leverkusen previously drew 2-2 in the 2025/26 Champions League, making this friendly an especially interesting rematch.