Rabat – Egyptian champions Al Ahly step onto the European stage tonight for a historic encounter against FC Barcelona in the 2026 edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy.
Match significance & context
Tonight’s fixture marks a double milestone: Al Ahly becomes the first Arab and African side ever invited to compete in the prestigious friendly tournament that is organized annually by Barcelona since 1966.
For the host team, the fixture marks the official return of FC Barcelona to Spotify Camp Nou following extensive stadium renovations, bringing the Joan Gamper Trophy back to its home venue after recent editions were held elsewhere. The two sides view the match as their final high-profile tune-up before initiating their domestic league campaigns on August 23.
Match details:
- Fixture: FC Barcelona vs Al Ahly SC
- Competition: Joan Gamper Trophy 2026
- Venue: Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
- Date: Wednesday, August 19
- Kick-off: 7:00 p.m. Morocco / Tunisia / Algeria time | 9:00 p.m. Egypt / Saudi Arabia / Qatar time (20:00 CEST)
- How to watch: MENA, ON Sport / Al Jazeera Net (Live Coverage), Live on Barça Play, and YouTube
FC Barcelona team news
Match context: Hansi Flick’s squad will use tonight’s grand return to Spotify Camp Nou as their final dress rehearsal ahead of their La Liga opener against Elche.
Key players & narrative: This match will carry an extra narrative weight for the 18-year-old Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim, who converted his loan from Al Ahly’s academy into a permanent move to Barcelona through 2029 and could line up against his former club.
Besides Abdelkarim, the eyes will also be on the legendary players Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, who lead the primary attack line.
Likely XI: García, Koundé, Cubarsí, Martín, Balde, Bernal, Espart, Gordon, Olmo, and Lamine Yamal, Raphinha.
Al Ahly team news
Match context: Head coach and squad management arrive in Spain seeking a strong competitive showing ahead of their Egyptian Premier League opener against ENPPI on August 23.
Key players: Mostafa Shobeir starts between the posts, while new offensive additions Achraf Bencharki, Soufiane Benjdida, and Monsef Bakrar headline the frontline alongside Ahmed Sayed Zizo.
Likely XI: Mostafa Shobeir, Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Yassin Marei, Karim Fouad, Ali Mahmoud, Marwan Attia, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, and Monsef Bakrar, Achraf Bencharki, and Soufiane Benjdida.
What to expect
Barcelona will aim to dominate possession early on their home turf, relying on swift wing play through Lamine Yamal and creative spacing via Dani Olmo.
Al Ahly will maintain a disciplined defensive mid-block, looking to absorb early Catalan pressure and launch quick counter-attacks utilizing Bencharki and Zizo in transition.
Prediction: FC Barcelona 3-1 Al Ahly SC.
