Watford are due to begin their preparations for the new 2026/27 Championship season in July, and of course, by then, the Hornets, and their opponents will have found out who they will be playing when in the new season.
Undoubtedly, by then, they may have some new additions ready to prove themselves to their new head coach to earn a spot in the starting eleven.
As expected, Watford are set to face Boreham Wood on Saturday, July 11th, in a 3:00 kick-off at Meadow Park.
The hosts finished fourth in the Vanarama National League, earning a spot in the play-offs where they narrowly lost out on promotion in the final to Rochdale on penalties.
Manager Luke Garrard returned to the club just five months after he departed Meadow Park, where he has spent ten total years in the hot seat.
A pre-season test against the Hornets will definitely test his side’s character and will help them prepare for the new season as they aim for promotion back to the EFL.
Watford are due to host Barnet on Wednesday, 15th July at 19:45 at The Hive for their first meeting since November 2009.
Barnet, whose nickname is the Bees, finished in 8th place in League Two in their first season in the EFL since the 2017/2018 season.
Manager Dean Brennan has been with them since 2021 and has been key to their return to the EFL.
If England progress to the semi-finals of the World Cup, the game could be moved to an earlier time or to a later date.
Watford are set to host German third division side Hansa Rostock at Vicarage Road on Saturday, July 25th.
Rostock, who finished 5th in 3. Liga are renowned for having a very large following week in week out.
This Fixture has caused some controversy, with a heavy police presence required due to Hansa’s fanbase’s large reputation for violence.
Manager Daniel Brinkmann will be looking to use this fixture to help his side prepare and be in with a chance of promotion during the new season.
This is Watford’s pre-season preparation for now; however, there may be more announced in the coming weeks, including some behind closed doors.
