Al Ahly make Joan Gamper Trophy history against Barcelona – 2026 viewing guide

Al Ahly will make history when they face Barcelona in the 2026 Joan Gamper Trophy, becoming the first Egyptian club and the first team from Africa to take part in the prestigious pre-season fixture.

The match will be Al Ahly’s first appearance in the tournament, which Barcelona organise each year ahead of the new season. The fixture has a particular significance for the Egyptian club, adding another international milestone to its record.

Barcelona stage the Joan Gamper Trophy at the beginning of every campaign in honour of Joan Gamper, the Swiss founder of the Catalan club and one of the most influential figures in its history. The competition has been held for six decades, with Al Ahly now set to become the first African representative to participate.

The meeting will also carry an emotional storyline because of Hamza Abdelkarim’s move from Al Ahly to Barcelona. The Egyptian forward is preparing to face his former club for the first time since joining the Catalan side, giving the pre-season contest an extra layer of interest.

The game is scheduled for Wednesday, 19 August 2026, at Spotify Camp Nou. Kick-off will be at 20:00 Saudi Arabia time and 21:00 United Arab Emirates time.

Viewers in Egypt and elsewhere will be able to watch the match on On Sport Plus. Online coverage will be available through the ON Sport application.

On Sport Plus has appointed Ayman Al-Kashef and Moamen Hassan to provide commentary for the 2026 Joan Gamper Trophy meeting.

The fixture is part of Barcelona’s preparations for the 2026-27 season, while Al Ahly’s involvement represents a landmark occasion for both Egyptian and African football. Their invitation confirms the club’s place in a tournament traditionally associated with Barcelona’s preparations for the campaign ahead.

Match details

– Fixture: Barcelona v Al Ahly – Competition: Joan Gamper Trophy 2026 – Date: Wednesday, 19 August 2026 – Venue: Spotify Camp Nou – Kick-off: 20:00 Saudi Arabia; 21:00 United Arab Emirates – TV channel: On Sport Plus – Online: ON Sport application – Commentators: Ayman Al-Kashef and Moamen Hassan