By David Gold

Old TraffordNovember 10 - The Team GB men's football team will kick off their Olympic Games campaign at Old Trafford on July 26, 2012, the day before the opening ceremony of the London Games, then move on to play games in London and Cardiff, where they could receive a hostile reception. 


Stuart Pearce's men's team will be playing their second group game on Sunday July 29 at Wembley before moving to Cardiff and the Millennium Stadium for their final clash, which could be crucial to determining whether they reach the second round, on Wednesday August 1.

But there could be opposition to their participation there. 

The formation of Team GB has caused a massive row between the Football Association of Wales (FAW) and the British Olympic Association after Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey were both used in a publicity campaign promoting a supporters' shirt despite Wales' staunch opposition to the idea.

For the same reason Britain are set to avoid playing at Hampden Park in Glasgow. 

Hope Powell's women's squad will play their first game on Wednesday July 25 in what will be the first event of the entire Olympics, at the Millennium Stadium.

They will stay in Cardiff for their second match, on Saturday July 28, before completing their group stage games at Wembley on Tuesday July 31.

Matches at the Games will be taking place across the UK in London, Coventry, Newcastle, Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff.

Some of the nations already qualified for the Olympics include the world and European champions, Spain, the Copa America winners, Uruguay, and Brazil.

London 2012 also announced that football tickets will go back on sale at 11am on November 29, with 1.5 million seats still available.

They can be purchased here or over the phone on 0844 847 2012.

It has also been confirmed that the draw for the tournament will take place at Wembley on April 24, 2012, almost a fortnight after the final qualifying game is held in Coventry's Ricoh Arena between a country from Asia and Africa.

Debbie Jevans, the London 2012 director of sport, said:  "The prospect of Team GB taking part in the Games has captured the imagination of the public and we are pleased to be able to confirm their group stage fixtures ahead of tickets going back on sale.

"With teams like Spain and Brazil already qualified and fantastic venues across the country, the Olympic football tournaments promise to be a great family day next summer."

The Sport and Olympics minister, Hugh Robertson, said:  "I am really looking forward to watching Team GB's men's and women's football teams compete in 2012, and there are no greater football venues anywhere than our host stadiums.

"There are still tickets left, so I encourage everyone to try and get one and support the team in 2012."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
November 2011: Olympic football makes life impossible, says Wenger
November 2011: "We all dream about the Olympics" claims Beckham
November 2011: Ramsey highlights desire to play for Team GB by posing in BOA shirt
October 2011: Bale poses in Team GB shirt to fuel London 2012 speculation
October 2011: I want to be in Team GB, says Celtic's Hooper