Barcelona has confirmed their first preseason opponent for the 2026-27 campaign. Hansi Flick's team is set to face CE Europa on July 24 at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper in a behind-closed-doors friendly.
This match offers Flick his first opportunity to assess the squad after the summer break. The game comes 11 days after the official preseason start on July 13 and, as usual with early summer fixtures, will not be open to the public.
Flick’s priority for this encounter is fitness, rhythm, and early tactical work rather than the result. Given that it's a World Cup year, Flick will likely begin with a reduced group including players like Gerard Martin, Wojciech Szczesny, Marc Bernal, Marc Casado, and Alejandro Balde.
The friendly also provides a valuable platform for young La Masia talents to impress as the first-team squad remains incomplete. Following this initial test, Barcelona will head to England for a training camp at St George’s Park between July 27 and August 3.
Their first public preseason friendly already confirmed will be against Birmingham City on July 31 at St Andrew’s. While quiet and behind closed doors, the game against Europa marks the important first step as Flick aims to build on a title-winning season and prepare his squad to compete on all fronts.
