Norwich City will open their second pre‑season friendly on Saturday, 13 July 2026, against Colchester United at Carrow Road, with the Canaries looking to sharpen their squad ahead of the Championship campaign.

What does the fixture mean for Norwich City?

The match follows a 2‑0 behind‑closed‑doors win over King's Lynn Town on 10 July, where youngsters Luke Towler and Dylan Jones found the net. Manager Philippe Clement sees the Colchester game as a chance to test his recent signings – defender Bruno Alves, midfielder Sam Field and winger Andre Brooks – against a side that finished 12th in League Two last season. A solid performance could cement the new arrivals in the starting XI and build momentum for a promotion push.

Who is missing and who could start?

Norwich will be without captain Kenny McLean, Ali Ahmed, Mohamed Toure, Anis Ben Slimane and José Córdoba, all called up for the World Cup. The coach is expected to line up Jones up front after his goal against King's Lynn, with Paris Maghoma and Botan Ameen providing width. In midfield, Field should partner Mattson, while the back four may feature Stacey, Darling, Medic and Mahovo under goalkeeper Kovacevic.

How does Colchester United stack up?

Colchester United, who finished 12th in League Two, are also gearing up for a promotion charge, targeting a return to League One for the first time since 2015‑16. Danny Cowley has added Sean Raggett, Jake Leake and Paul Digby, but lost top scorer Kyreece Lisbie to Reading. Expected starters include Samson Tovide up front, Jack Payne in the No 10 role, and a defence anchored by Raggett alongside Jack Tucker.

What could the result tell us?

The Canaries enter the game with a stronger squad on paper and the advantage of having already played a friendly. If they secure a win, perhaps 2‑0 as predicted, it will reinforce Clement’s belief that the team is ready to challenge for the playoffs. A narrow defeat could highlight areas needing work before the league season kicks off in August.