Key Points
- West Ham United U21s commence their 2025/26 Premier League International Cup campaign against Athletic Club B at Chigwell Construction Stadium, East London, on Wednesday 3 December 2025 at 7pm GMT.
- This is West Ham U21s’ fourth competition this season, competing in Premier League 2, the Vertu Trophy, and the National League Cup.
- West Ham’s U21s are unbeaten in seven matches in Premier League 2 and currently rank ninth in a 29-team table.
- Athletic Club B, competing in the Spanish third tier Primera RFEF, have lost all three previous Premier League International Cup Group D matches and are out of qualification contention.
- Tickets are priced £5 for adults, £1 for under-18s, and free for men’s season ticket holders upon showing their ticket at the turnstiles.
What is the occasion and who are the competitors?
West Ham United U21s will host Athletic Club B at the Chigwell Construction Stadium, East London, marking the start of their Premier League International Cup Group D campaign for the 2025/26 season. The fixture is scheduled for Wednesday, 3 December 2025, with kickoff at 7pm GMT. As reported by the club, this international competition matchup represents an important test for the young Hammers against a reputable Spanish side looking to improve their fortunes in the tournament.
- Key Points
- What is the occasion and who are the competitors?
- How have West Ham United U21s performed this season across competitions?
- What is Athletic Club B’s current standing in this competition and overall?
- Where and how can fans watch or attend this fixture?
- Why is this match significant for West Ham United U21s and what can be expected?
How have West Ham United U21s performed this season across competitions?
West Ham United’s U21 squad is actively engaged in three competitions this season aside from the Premier League International Cup. In Premier League 2, the team has remained unbeaten across seven fixtures, positioning them ninth in the highly competitive 29-team table. Furthermore, the side was notably the only development team to reach the knockout stages of the Vertu Trophy this season, where they are set to face Colchester United in the round of 32 on 9 December. Additionally, in the National League Cup, West Ham’s U21s have virtually secured a quarter-final berth, with only a heavy defeat in their final group game capable of interrupting their progress. This record highlights their consistent development and competitive edge, as explained by the club communications team.
What is Athletic Club B’s current standing in this competition and overall?
Athletic Club B, known as the reserve team for the famed Athletic Club of Bilbao, competes in Spain’s third-tier league, Primera RFEF, where they have experienced a strong league campaign this season. However, in the Premier League International Cup Group D, their record contrasts sharply, as they have lost all three matches played so far. This string of defeats has mathematically eliminated them from progressing to the next stage, according to sources connected with the tournament.
Where and how can fans watch or attend this fixture?
The match will take place at the Chigwell Construction Stadium located in East London, the home ground for West Ham United’s youth teams. Tickets will be available for purchase on match day at the stadium’s turnstiles. Admission prices are set at £5 for adults and £1 for under-18 supporters. Men’s season ticket holders can attend free of charge upon presenting their season ticket at the gate, as confirmed by West Ham United’s official matchday guidelines.
Why is this match significant for West Ham United U21s and what can be expected?
This opening Group D fixture is critical for West Ham United U21s to establish momentum in the Premier League International Cup, especially given their strong form in other concurrent tournaments. With Athletic Club B already out of qualification contention, the home team will look to leverage this advantage to secure vital points. The match will test West Ham’s squad depth and tactical flexibility as they balance heavy fixture congestion across multiple competitions this season.
