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Barcelona 2026 Preseason: Schedule, Results, and Key Details

Barcelona aim to secure three straight La Liga championships for the first time in 16 years. After winning the 2024/25 season and following it up with another commanding title run, the club looks more stable compared to their rivals Real Madrid, who have heavily invested in new players and brought back Jose Mourinho to challenge El Clasico battles once more.

Preseason Matches and Results

The preseason began with a solid 4-1 victory against local third-tier side Club Esportiu Europa at the Ciutat Esportiva training ground. They then faced English teams Birmingham City and Nottingham Forest, with the Forest match part of a double-header alongside Serie A's Udinese. After a 5-2 win over Swiss club Basel, Barcelona will finish preseason hosting the traditional Joan Gamper Trophy game against Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly.

  • Opponent (Result): Club Esportiu Europa (W 4-1)
  • Date: Thu., August 24
  • Location: Ciutat Esportiva, Barcelona
  • Kickoff Time (ET): 7:30 a.m.
  • Opponent (Result): Birmingham City (D 2-2)
  • Date: Fri., July 31
  • Location: St Andrew's, Birmingham
  • Kickoff Time (ET): 2:45 p.m.
  • Opponent (Result): Nottingham Forest* (W 1-0)
  • Date: Sat., August 8
  • Location: Stadio Friuli, Udine
  • Kickoff Time (ET): 3 p.m.
  • Opponent (Result): Udinese* (L 1-0)
  • Date: Sat., August 8
  • Location: Stadio Friuli, Udine
  • Kickoff Time (ET): 4 p.m.
  • Opponent (Result): Basel (W 5-2)
  • Date: Sun., August 16
  • Location: St. Jakob-Park, Basel
  • Kickoff Time (ET): 10:30 a.m.
  • Opponent: Al Ahly
  • Date: Wed., August 19
  • Location: Camp Nou, Barcelona
  • Kickoff Time (ET): To Be Confirmed
  • *Matches were 45 minutes each

Venues of Preseason Games

Barcelona played Birmingham City at the Championship side’s St. Andrew’s Stadium during their UK training camp based at St. George’s Park, known for hosting England's national teams. The shortened 45-minute matches against Nottingham Forest and Udinese took place at Italy’s Stadio Friuli in Udine. Their win over Basel occurred at the Swiss club's St. Jakob-Park. The Joan Gamper Trophy will return to Camp Nou after renovations, hosting Al Ahly for the first time since 2022.

Return of World Cup Players

Frenkie de Jong joined the England trip after the Netherlands exited the World Cup in the Round of 32 but is sidelined due to a knee ligament injury. Other World Cup participants, including Spain’s champions, France’s defender Jules Kounde, and England’s winger Anthony Gordon, returned in time for the Basel game.

Start of La Liga Season 2026/27

Barcelona will open their league campaign on August 23 with an away match against Elche. Last season, Barca won both encounters against Elche by 3-1, with Ferran Torres scoring in both games. This start is followed by two consecutive home night games versus Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano.

  • Date: Sun., August 23 - Opponent: Elche (Away)
  • Date: Thu., August 27 - Opponent: Athletic Club (Home)
  • Date: Mon., August 31 - Opponent: Rayo Vallecano (Home)
  • Date: Sun., September 6 - Opponent: Valencia (Away)
  • Date: Sun., September 13 - Opponent: Levante (Away)

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