TEAM GB’s men’s football squad will start their quest for Olympic gold at Old Trafford on July 26 against Senegal.

Great Britain will also face Uruguay and the United Arab Emirates in Group A of the tournament following the draw on Tuesday (April 24).

Senegal could include Newcastle United stars Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba in their squad, while another familiar face in Liverpool’s Luis Suarez could also line up against Team GB for Uruguay.

Andy Worthington, Chair of the North West Steering Groups for the 2012 Games, said: “Team GB’s first match at Old Trafford will be a fantastic opening event for us.”

“We will no doubt see a surge in ticket sales when they go back on sale now we know who is playing in the North West.”

Former Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce has been handed the task of leading the men’s squad for the Games whilst Hope Powell leads the women’s team, who have been drawn against Brazil, Cameroon and New Zealand.

Pearce has a shortlist of 80 players to narrow down to a final squad of 18, the majority of which must be under 23.

Three overage players are allowed, with the likes of David Beckham, Craig Bellamy and Steven Fletcher all still in contention for the squad.

As well as the GB opener, Old Trafford will host four other men’s group matches and USA vs North Korea in the women’s tournament.

Manchester United’s ground will also hold semi finals in both the men’s and women’s tournaments.

Tickets for all matches, including the GB-Senegal game, go on sale in early May. For more information visit www.tickets.london2012.com