The FC Bayern Women's team is embarking on their 2026/27 season with an international friendly against RB Omiya Ardija in Japan. This fixture is a key part of their Allianz Women's Tour, showcasing a prominent European club against a rising team from Japan's top women's professional league.
RB Omiya Ardija, established in 1998 and later merging with the Omiya Ardija men's team in 2021 to join the WE League, has seen significant growth. In a notable development on November 6, 2024, Red Bull acquired the club, leading to its rebranding as Red Bull Omiya Ardija Women (or RB Omiya Ardija Women) starting in 2025. Their league performance has been steadily improving, with a seventh-place finish last season, accumulating 27 points from six wins and nine draws, and scoring 24 goals while conceding 28.
Key players to watch include Mai Kadowaki, a former RB Leipzig player who now contributes to RB Omiya Ardija, and Yuma Saito, who was the team's leading scorer last season with seven goals. The match will be held at NACK5 Stadium Omiya in Saitama, a compact venue with a capacity of approximately 15,500, designed to create an immersive "Football First" experience for fans, providing an ideal setting for this international clash.
This friendly not only kicks off the FC Bayern Women's season but also reinforces the global growth and appeal of women's football. It provides an excellent opportunity for both teams to test their mettle, connect with fans across continents, and foster a spirit of sportsmanship and international collaboration.
