Al Ahly to face Barcelona in Joan Gamper Trophy

FC Barcelona have confirmed Egyptian champions Al Ahly as their opponents for the 61st edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy, with the traditional pre-season fixture scheduled to take place on August 19 at Spotify Camp Nou.

The Catalan club also unveiled the official promotional poster for the annual event, which serves as Barcelona’s final warm-up match before the start of the 2026-27 campaign.

The fixture will once again provide supporters with the opportunity to see the team in action on home soil ahead of the new season.

This year’s encounter will make history, with Al Ahly becoming the first African club ever invited to compete in the Joan Gamper Trophy.

The annual exhibition match has long been part of Barcelona’s pre-season preparations, but never before has a representative from Africa featured in the competition.

The invitation reflects the stature of the Cairo-based side, whose success has established them as one of the continent’s most decorated clubs.

Al Ahly possess an outstanding collection of domestic and continental honours, making them one of African football’s most recognisable institutions.

The meeting will also revive a rivalry that stretches back decades. Barcelona and Al Ahly have previously met twice, with their first encounter taking place in 1961 before facing each other again in 2007.

Their latest meeting will add another chapter to that history when they go head-to-head in front of the Barcelona faithful.

For Barcelona, the match represents the final stage of an extensive pre-season schedule. After weeks of preparations, the fixture will offer another opportunity for the coaching staff to make their final assessments before competitive football returns.

Playing at Spotify Camp Nou will also allow the Blaugrana to reconnect with their supporters as anticipation builds for the upcoming campaign.

The Joan Gamper Trophy has traditionally marked the club’s official presentation to fans ahead of a new season, making it one of the standout dates of Barcelona’s pre-season calendar.

Al Ahly, meanwhile, will make history simply by taking part, becoming the first African representatives in the competition.

Their participation adds a new dimension to the annual event and highlights the significance of the fixture as Barcelona complete their preparations for the 2026-27 season.

The historic contest is set to take place on August 19, with both clubs renewing acquaintances nearly two decades after their last meeting while adding another memorable milestone to the long-running Joan Gamper Trophy.