FC Barcelona is about to finalize an agreement with Egyptian giants Al Ahly as their opponent for the 2026 Joan Gamper Trophy. The traditional pre-season match is scheduled for August 19 at Spotify Camp Nou.
Al Ahly emerged as the preferred choice after Barcelona considered several other teams including Borussia Dortmund, Roma, RB Leipzig, Napoli, Ajax, and Cruz Azul. Scheduling conflicts due to many clubs preparing for their domestic campaigns made Al Ahly a practical and attractive option.
The relationship between Barcelona and Al Ahly strengthened notably through the winter transfer of 18-year-old Hamza Abdelkarim, who moved from Al Ahly to Barcelona, with the club later activating his purchase option. This adds a sentimental angle to the fixture, especially if Hamza features in the match.
Al Ahly is not only Egypt’s biggest club but also one of Africa’s most successful, offering a prestigious opponent with a significant international following. Strategically, the match allows Barcelona to solidify its presence in the large Egyptian football market.
Only the final signature remains before the fixture is officially confirmed. Once signed, Al Ahly will bring both on-field pedigree and a unique emotional connection to one of Barcelona’s key pre-season nights.
