The European soccer season kicks off on Wednesday, August 12, as PSG, the reigning 2025-2026 Champions League winners, take on Aston Villa, the Europa League title holders, at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria. Spanish coach Luis Enrique expressed concerns about his team's preparation, highlighting a series of absences during pre-season games. He noted, "It's hard to predict who will play... We are trying to prepare in the best way possible. I don't know what kind of physical condition my players will be in."

Match Details:

• Date: Wednesday, August 12
• Time: 3 p.m. ET
• Location: Red Bull Arena, Salzburg, Austria
• Live stream: Paramount+
• TV: CBS Sports Network
• Odds: PSG -133; Draw +290; Aston Villa +350

World Cup Stars Return

PSG boasts a star-studded lineup, with many players having shone at the 2026 World Cup. Key contributors include:

• Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
• Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Joao Neves (Portugal)
• Marquinhos (Brazil)
• Fabian Ruiz (Spain)

Notably, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who did not participate in the World Cup, remains a top contender for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.

Expected Lineups:

PSG XI: Matvey Safonov; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele, Ibrahim Mbaye.
Aston Villa XI: Emiliano Martinez; Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen; Joao Gomes, Boubacar Kamara; Alejandro Garnacho, Emiliano Buendía, John McGinn; Ollie Watkins.