Celtic will kick off their 2026‑27 pre‑season on Tuesday, and five first‑team players are set to feature heavily as they chase vital match fitness ahead of the World Cup break.

Which players are in the spotlight?

The group includes centre‑back James Forrest, winger Kyogo Furuhashi, midfielder John McGinn, striker Leon Bailey and the often‑overlooked Paulo Bernardo. All have logged under 300 minutes in competitive action this season, according to the club’s internal stats released on 4 July.

Why does the timing matter?

The World Cup in the United States kicks off on 8 November, meaning Celtic’s squad will lose several internationals for a month. Getting the five players match‑ready now helps the manager, Brendan Rodgers, rotate the side without a dip in quality when the tournament ends.

What does Bernardo need to prove?

Bernardo, signed from Benfica in January 2024 for €12 million, has struggled to break into the starting XI, featuring only 12 league minutes so far. A solid showing in the upcoming friendly against Aston Villa on 9 July could force Rodgers to reconsider his role.

How will this affect Celtic’s early league fixtures?

Celtic’s first SPL match is scheduled for 15 July against Rangers. If the five players hit form in pre‑season, Rodgers can field a deeper bench, preserving his key starters for the derby. The club’s medical team also hopes the extra minutes will reduce injury risk when the season ramps up.

What’s the fans’ reaction?

Supporters on the official Celtic forum have urged the club to give Bernardo a chance, noting his impressive performances in the under‑23 side. Many see his resurgence as a potential boost to Celtic’s attacking depth, especially if Kieran Tierney picks up a knock early on.

The pre‑season fixtures will run through the first week of July, with matches against Aston Villa, Swansea City, and a behind‑closed‑doors test versus a Scottish Premiership XI. Rodgers has hinted that the squad will be split into two groups to maximise playing time, ensuring the five highlighted players get at least 60 minutes each.

Celtic’s training base in Kilmarnock is already buzzing, with the coaching staff focusing on high‑intensity drills. The aim is clear: turn five fringe players into reliable options before the World Cup draws away the club’s stars.

Fans can follow live updates on the club’s official YouTube channel, where the pre‑season will be streamed free of charge. The first match kicks off at 17:30 GMT on Tuesday, 9 July, and tickets are already sold out.

With the World Cup looming, Celtic’s early preparation could set the tone for a campaign that aims to reclaim the Scottish Premiership crown.