Barcelona confirms Al-Ahly as Joan Gamper Trophy opponent on Aug 19 at renovated Camp Nou

Published Jul 25, 07:06 PM UTC

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Barcelona has officially confirmed that Egyptian club Al-Ahly will be their opponent in the 61st edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy, scheduled for August 19, 2026. The match will be the first played at the renovated Spotify Camp Nou. Al-Ahly announced the agreement via a statement, noting that a delegation visited Spain to finalize the deal with Barcelona officials. The match is part of Al-Ahly's strategy to enhance its international presence and cooperate with top European clubs. Barcelona has historically dominated the trophy with 47 titles, and last year defeated Como 5-0. The two clubs have recently maintained good relations, including negotiations for the permanent transfer of forward Hamza Abdelkarim, who is currently training with Barcelona under coach Hansi Flick.

Source report

Updated: July 24, 2026 — 20:40 CEST Author: Sergi de Juan, AS Editor

Barcelona has confirmed its opponent for the Joan Gamper Trophy, scheduled for August 19. Egyptian club Al-Ahly will face Hansi Flick's side in the traditional summer friendly, marking the first match to be played at the renovated Spotify Camp Nou.

Although widely anticipated, the announcement was made official by Al-Ahly through a statement on its social media channels.

Al-Ahly's Official Statement

"Al-Ahly Football Company closes all agreements with Barcelona FC. A delegation from Al-Ahly Football Company, including Ahmed Hossam Awad, member of the club and company board, and Nera Ali, the company's executive director, made a brief visit to Spain. The visit served to finalize the agreement with the historic Barcelona club to play a football match between the two clubs on August 19, in the 61st edition of 'LA FESTA DEL GAMPER ESTRELLA DAMM'. The delegation discussed with Barcelona officials Gabriel Martínez (communications director) and Marina Yves (director of strategic projects), in the presence of representatives from 'RIO SPORTS', Mohamed Talaat and Karim Talaat, all preparations related to the match in a friendly atmosphere reflecting the good relationship between both clubs. This step is part of Al-Ahly Football Company's efforts to enhance the club's international presence and open new horizons for cooperation with the largest European clubs and sports institutions."

Background and Context

Barcelona and Al-Ahly maintain strong relations, recently negotiating the permanent transfer of forward Hamza Abdelkarim, who is currently undergoing preseason under Hansi Flick after representing Egypt at the World Cup.
Barcelona is the most successful club in the history of the Joan Gamper Trophy, having won it 47 times.
Last season, Barcelona defeated Cesc Fàbregas's Como 5-0 at the Johan Cruyff Stadium.

First Test for Flick's Barcelona

The match will serve as an early assessment of Hansi Flick's squad ahead of the new season.

Tags: FC Barcelona | Hamza Abdelkarim

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Source

Feed MRSS-S fc_barcelona_aWestern

Original headline: Oficial: el Al-Ahly, rival del Barcelona en el Gamper

Original language: ES

Part of this Story

Official: Al-Ahly to be Barcelona's opponent in the Joan Gamper Trophy

See the full Story: all sources and camp coverage

People and interests

FC Barcelona Hansi Flick Egypt