Barcelona vs Al Ahly: Match Preview, Predictions, and Lineups

The final preseason match for Barcelona this summer pits them against Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly in the 61st edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy on Wednesday. This event, running since 1966, invites top teams worldwide to face the Blaugrana in a single friendly encounter. Al Ahly become the first African club ever to participate.

Barcelona have traveled across Europe during their preseason, starting with a closed-door win over CE Europa, then drawing with Birmingham City in England. They later competed in a triangular tournament in Italy against Nottingham Forest and Udinese, followed by a convincing 5–2 victory over Basel in Switzerland.

Their defense of the La Liga crown starts Sunday with a visit to Elche. Manager Hansi Flick’s squad enjoys an extra preparation week due to many players’ World Cup involvement.

Match Prediction: Barcelona to Secure 48th Joan Gamper Trophy

Barcelona showed attacking flair in their recent game against Basel, welcoming back several players who returned late from the World Cup. Young talent Lamine Yamal scored, while Dani Olmo, Pau Cubarsí, Jules Koundé, and debutant Anthony Gordon also featured.

Flick may opt for an even stronger lineup at Camp Nou, which could overwhelm Al Ahly. The Egyptians haven’t started their new season and rarely face opponents as strong as Barcelona domestically or in Africa.

The Blaugrana have a dominant record in this trophy: 47 wins out of 60 matches, including victories in 12 of the last 13 editions. They crushed Como 5–0 last year, so another big scoreline seems likely.

Prediction: Barcelona 4–1 Al Ahly

Projected Starting Eleven for Barcelona

Lamine Yamal might return to the starting lineup after coming off the bench previously, alongside Jules Koundé, though both might be substituted at halftime. Flick is expected to rotate his squad to help players regain match fitness.

With the league opener only four days away, no risks will be taken, meaning limited minutes for returning stars. Anthony Gordon may make his home debut, while Raphinha could lead the attack, as Barcelona lack traditional strikers following Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres's departures.

Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji remain sidelined through injury, and Pedri’s status is uncertain after missing the Basel game.

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Goalkeeper: García
• Defenders: Koundé, Christensen, Martín, Balde
• Midfielders: Bernal, Espart
• Attacking Midfielders: Yamal, López, Gordon
• Forward: Raphinha

Expected Lineup for Al Ahly

Manager Hussein Ammouta will likely field key players who represented Egypt at the World Cup, such as Emam Ashour, Marwan Ateya, and Yasser Ibrahim. New signing Monsef Bakrar, arriving from Dinamo Zagreb, should see some playing time.

Other additions like Akram Tawfik and Soufiane Benjdida are pushing for starting roles. Former striker Hamza Abdelkarim, recently signed by Barcelona and impressive in preseason, will face his old club. He has netted three goals in friendlies against Birmingham and Basel.

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Goalkeeper: El Shenawy
• Defenders: Hany, Ibrahim, Marei, Fouad
• Midfielders: Kouka, Ashour, Ateya
• Forwards: Zizo, El Shahat, Bakrar

Match Details: Time and Venue

• Location: Barcelona, Spain
• Stadium: Camp Nou
• Date: Wednesday, August 19
• Kick-off: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT / 7 p.m. BST

Viewing Options

Barcelona vs Al Ahly can be watched worldwide via Barça Play and the FC Barcelona YouTube channel. For a complete list of broadcasters around the globe, check official sources.