Barcelona has officially started preparations for the 2026/27 season, combining training sessions with a series of friendlies. Beginning July 14 under Hansi Flick’s guidance, the squad is undergoing an adaptation phase culminating in a training camp in England.
Training takes place at Ciutat Esportiva with a schedule alternating single and double sessions. From July 27 to August 3, the team will stage a training camp at St. George’s Park. The first friendly will take place on July 24 behind closed doors against Europa from the Primera Federación in Sant Joan Despí.
The next match is on July 31 against Birmingham City, a Championship side, at St. Andrew’s Knighthead Park in England. On August 8, Barcelona will compete in a triangular tournament in Udine alongside Udinese and Nottingham Forest. The Joan Gamper Trophy will likely be held on August 19 against Al Ahly, though the opponent is yet to be officially confirmed.
World Cup internationals are rejoining gradually. Araujo, injured and eliminated with Uruguay in the group stage, was the first to return on July 20 for medical checks. De Jong and Raphinha, both knocked out in the round of 16 with the Netherlands and Brazil respectively, will follow. Joao Cancelo and Karim Adeyemi could also join the training camp once their transfers are final.
Barcelona’s La Liga season opener is scheduled for the second round, away at Elche on August 22 or 23. The first home game against Athletic Bilbao at Spotify Camp Nou is postponed to late August due to ten Barcelona players reaching the World Cup semi-finals. The third round will see Barcelona hosting Rayo Vallecano on August 29 or 30.
On July 27, Barcelona will learn their group stage opponents in the Champions League draw in Monte Carlo. The first matches of the competition will be moved a week earlier and played between September 8 and 10.
