Barcelona pre-season fixtures and 2026 summer schedule

Barcelona are preparing for the 2026-27 campaign with a condensed pre-season schedule after several first-team players enjoyed extended runs at the FIFA World Cup.

Hansi Flick’s squad returned for medical tests and fitness assessments in mid-July before beginning training at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. The Catalan club have also held a training camp at St George’s Park in England as they build towards the new season.

Preparations have already begun on the pitch. Barcelona eased to a 4-1 victory over CE Europa in a behind-the-closed-doors training match, with Ibrahim Diarra, Héctor Fort, Ebrima Tunkara and Álex González all getting on the scoresheet. The fixture gave Flick an early opportunity to assess several academy prospects while a number of senior players remained on post-World Cup leave.

Several key names, including Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Gavi, Pau Cubarsí, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, Eric Garcia and Joan Garcia, have been granted a 21-day break after helping Spain win the World Cup. Jules Koundé and Anthony Gordon are also due back before the club’s final warm-up fixtures, while Raphinha is expected to rejoin the squad during the training camp in England.

Barcelona’s first public friendly sees them take on Birmingham City at St Andrew’s before travelling to Italy for a mini-tournament featuring Udinese and Nottingham Forest. The Blaugrana will then return to the Spotify Camp Nou to host Al Ahly in the traditional Joan Gamper Trophy, which serves as the club’s final pre-season fixture before the start of the La Liga campaign.

Barca begin their league season away to Elche on 23 August, before welcoming Athletic Club for their first home match of the campaign four days later.

Barcelona pre-season fixtures
24 July: Barcelona 4-1 CE Europa (behind closed doors – completed)
31 July: Birmingham City vs Barcelona – St Andrew’s, Birmingham (7.45pm BST)
8 August: Udinese vs Barcelona – Udine (mini-tournament, 45-minute match)
8 August: Nottingham Forest vs Barcelona – Udine (mini-tournament, 45-minute match)
19 August: Barcelona vs Al Ahly – Spotify Camp Nou (Joan Gamper Trophy)

Barcelona’s pre-season schedule is shorter than usual, but it reflects the club’s decision to prioritise recovery for their World Cup stars. With a training camp in England, a mini-tournament in Italy and the Joan Gamper Trophy to conclude preparations, Flick should have sufficient opportunities to fine-tune his squad before the defence of their La Liga title begins.