Barcelona 2026 Preseason Plans and Match Results

Barcelona aims to secure three straight La Liga championships for the first time in 16 years. After their 2024/25 victory, Hansi Flick's squad continued to dominate, outpacing rivals Real Madrid. While Madrid has strengthened its roster and welcomed Jose Mourinho back, Barcelona seems steadier heading into the new season.

Breakdown of Barcelona's 2026 Preseason Matches

The preseason began with a 4-1 win over local third-tier side Club Esportiu Europa at Barcelona's Ciutat Esportiva training ground. Following that, they played against English teams Birmingham City and Nottingham Forest, the latter as part of a double-header alongside Serie A's Udinese.

After a commanding 5-2 victory over Swiss club Basel, Barcelona plans to close out the preseason with their traditional Joan Gamper Trophy match against Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly.

Barcelona 2026 Preseason Schedule and Results

• Opponent: Club Esportiu Europa — Result: Win 4-1
• Date: Thu., August 24
• Location: Ciutat Esportiva, Barcelona
• Kickoff Time (ET): 7:30 a.m.

• Opponent: Birmingham City — Result: Draw 2-2
• Date: Fri., July 31
• Location: St Andrew's, Birmingham
• Kickoff Time (ET): 2:45 p.m.

• Opponent: Nottingham Forest* — Result: Win 1-0
• Date: Sat., August 8
• Location: Stadio Friuli, Udine
• Kickoff Time (ET): 3 p.m.

• Opponent: Udinese* — Result: Loss 1-0
• Date: Sat., August 8
• Location: Stadio Friuli, Udine
• Kickoff Time (ET): 4 p.m.

• Opponent: Basel — Result: Win 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 against Nottingham Forest and Udinese lasted 45 minutes each.

Venues for Preseason Fixtures

Barca met Birmingham City at the English club's home, St Andrew's Stadium, while the team trained at England's St. George's Park facility. The shorter matches with Nottingham Forest and Udinese took place at Italy's Stadio Friuli in Udine. Their Swiss opponent Basel hosted the game at St. Jakob-Park. The upcoming Joan Gamper Trophy will return to Camp Nou for the first time since 2022 after renovations.

Return of World Cup Players

Following the Netherlands' exit from the World Cup Round of 32, Frenkie de Jong joined the England trip but faces a knee ligament injury sidelining him temporarily. Others who participated in the recent World Cup, including Spain's champions, France defender Jules Kounde, and England winger Anthony Gordon, were active in the win over Basel.

First Five La Liga Matches for 2026/27

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

Barcelona start their league defense on August 23 at Elche, a team they defeated twice last season by 3-1, with Ferran Torres scoring in both encounters.