CARY, N.C. – North Carolina FC and Sunderland A.F.C. announced on Friday the sides would meet for an international exhibition at WakeMed Soccer Park on Friday, July 21, capping the Black Cats’ tour of the United States this summer. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET. 

Sunderland will be the first English Football League club to visit North Carolina FC since 2017, when NCFC played Swansea City to a scoreless draw. The previous year, Premier League stalwarts West Ham United visited WakeMed Soccer Park and the two clubs battled to a 2-2 draw in front of a record-breaking crowd of 10,125. 

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our club and for soccer fans across our region,” said North Carolina FC President Francie Gottsegen. “Bringing a club of Sunderland’s caliber and history to Cary is a testament to our talent on the field, stadium and facilities, and commitment to the globalization of our organization. We're excited to bring this unique experience to our fans and community.”

Sunderland’s visit will complete its trip to the United States, which will also see the Black Cats visit the USL Championship’s San Antonio FC on Saturday, July 15 and New Mexico United on Wednesday, July 19.

The six-time English top-flight title winner is currently sitting in eighth place in the EFL Championship, putting the club in contention for promotion to the Premier League next season with 13 games to go in the season.