Trabzonspor will host Irish side Drogheda United in a special friendly match at Papara Park on Thursday, October 1, 2026. As reported by The 42, the fixture coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Türkiye.
The match is scheduled during the international break and will serve as a mid-season training exercise for Trabzonspor. The Black Sea Storm currently sits 11th in the Süper Lig with 4 points from 3 matches. With 4 goals scored and 4 conceded, the team is 3 points behind leaders Galatasaray and has a recent form of win, draw, loss.
Why is this match being arranged?
Drogheda United CEO Rían Wogan announced the trip with great excitement. Wogan said, "Today is an incredibly proud day for everyone associated with Drogheda United." The club's official social media account stated, "The fixture represents another chapter in the long-standing friendship between Drogheda and the Turkish people and comes as Ireland and Türkiye celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026."
This will be Drogheda United's first-ever match in Türkiye. Played at the 40,000-capacity Papara Park, the game will also feature in a documentary titled "An Gorta Mór – The Star & The Crescent," which explores historical ties between Drogheda, Ireland, and Türkiye.
What is Trabzonspor's current situation?
Trabzonspor, having signed Mohamed Salah last month, has made a mixed start to the season. The team's next official league match is against 6th-placed Kocaelispor at home on December 20, 2026. Fans can follow the team's full schedule on our fixtures page. The early-season performance is also clearly visible on our standings page.
For Drogheda United, the trip will function as a late-season mini-camp ahead of the final weeks of the League of Ireland season. The club will also collaborate with the Drogheda & District Chamber to create business opportunities during the visit. Supporters traveling to Trabzon will be offered discounts from hotel and airline partners.
How will this event benefit the club?
The friendly match will give Trabzonspor a chance to face a different football culture and assess its squad. As the team works to strengthen its position in the Süper Lig, such events can be beneficial for team dynamics. Player status and statistics are available on our squad page.
Trabzonspor's next official fixture is at home against Kocaelispor on December 20, 2026.
