sportnews full logo

Barcelona 2026 Preseason Schedule and La Liga Kickoff Details

Barcelona looks to claim three La Liga championships in a row for the first time since 2010. The squad, managed by Hansi Flick, secured the 2024/25 title with authority, leaving rivals Real Madrid trailing behind. This marks Barca’s third league crown in four seasons, but Madrid’s summer signings and the return of Jose Mourinho raise the stakes for the upcoming El Clasico battles.

Preseason Matches and Results

The preseason began with a commanding 4-1 win over local third-division team Club Esportiu Europa at their Ciutat Esportiva training ground.

Following that, Barcelona faced English clubs Birmingham City and Nottingham Forest. The latter was part of a double-header alongside Serie A’s Udinese. Barcelona won against Nottingham Forest but lost narrowly to Udinese in two 45-minute matches.

The team then thrashed Swiss side Basel 5-2 before preparing for their traditional Joan Gamper Trophy match against Egyptian champions Al Ahly.

  • Club Esportiu Europa: Win 4-1, August 24, Ciutat Esportiva, 7:30 a.m. ET
  • Birmingham City: Draw 2-2, July 31, St Andrew's, Birmingham, 2:45 p.m. ET
  • Nottingham Forest*: Win 1-0, August 8, Stadio Friuli, Udine, 3 p.m. ET
  • Udinese*: Loss 0-1, August 8, Stadio Friuli, Udine, 4 p.m. ET
  • Basel: Win 5-2, August 16, St. Jakob-Park, Basel, 10:30 a.m. ET
  • Al Ahly: August 19, Camp Nou, Time TBC

*Matches against Nottingham Forest and Udinese lasted 45 minutes each.

Venues for Preseason Games

Barcelona played Birmingham City at the Championship club’s St Andrew's Stadium during their UK training camp held at St. George's Park, England’s national teams’ facility. The short matches against Nottingham Forest and Udinese were held at Udinese’s Stadio Friuli. The clash with Basel took place at their stadium, St. Jakob-Park. The Joan Gamper Trophy will be hosted at the refurbished Camp Nou, marking its first use since 2022.

Return of World Cup Players

Frenkie de Jong joined the team in England after the Netherlands exited the World Cup in the Round of 32, though he is sidelined with a knee injury. Other World Cup participants rejoined earlier, including Spain’s winners, defender Jules Kounde, and winger Anthony Gordon of England, all featuring in the victory over Basel.

Barcelona’s Opening La Liga Fixtures

The 2026/27 La Liga campaign begins on August 23 with an away match against Elche. Barcelona had won both meetings against Elche last season, with Ferran Torres, Spain’s World Cup hero, scoring in both games.

Following that, Barca faces consecutive home night games against Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano.

  • August 23: Elche (Away)
  • August 27: Athletic Club (Home)
  • August 31: Rayo Vallecano (Home)
  • September 6: Valencia (Away)
  • September 13: Levante (Away)

Related Articles