ORLANDO — Antoine Griezmann, the 2018 World Cup champion and Atlético Madrid legend, could make his first home appearance at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday when Orlando City SC hosts Nashville SC in the club’s official “Welcome Back” match at 7:30 p.m.
Griezmann already offered a preview, scoring a goal and adding an assist in a season ticket member exclusive friendly against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on July 8. He became eligible for his official Orlando City debut when the Lions opened on the road at San Jose on Tuesday before the Saturday home opener against Nashville.
The Frenchman’s arrival sets up a marquee showdown against another global star. Former Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Polish National Team legend Robert Lewandowski, now with Chicago Fire FC, visits Inter&Co Stadium on Aug. 19 in a match that doubles as 407 Night, with tickets starting at $15 and a limited number of $4.07 concession items including Heineken, domestic beer, seltzer, water, hot dogs, popcorn and pretzels.
Orlando City still has two shots at silverware this season. The Lions are into the U.S. Open Cup semifinals after a dominant 4-1 win over Atlanta United in the quarterfinals and will travel to face the Columbus Crew on Sept. 16 with Griezmann and Daryl Dike as added attacking reinforcements. A semifinal win would give Orlando the right to host the final in October.
Before that cup date, the club opens Leagues Cup 2026 Phase One with three straight home matches at Inter&Co Stadium against Liga MX opponents: C.F. Monterrey on Aug. 5, Club León on Aug. 8 and Atlético de San Luis on Aug. 12.
The return to play also brings what the club called “the biggest concessions refresh of the season,” headlined by new Orlando Made partner Buffalo Boss Brooklyn Wings and additions across local vendors including Hangry Bison’s Royale with Cheese Poutine, The Coop’s Loaded Mac & Cheese and a lineup of summer cocktails served in souvenir soccer ball cups. A three-match pack bundles the Saturday Nashville match with three additional marquee home dates, including the Griezmann-Lewandowski showdown.
Orlando City’s next home match after Saturday is the Leagues Cup opener against C.F. Monterrey on Aug. 5 at Inter&Co Stadium.