FC Barcelona to host Al Ahly in Joan Gamper Trophy on Aug 19

FC Barcelona confirmed that Egyptian club Al Ahly will be their opponent in the 61st Joan Gamper Trophy, scheduled for 19 August at the Spotify Camp Nou. The match marks the first appearance of an African team in Barcelona’s traditional preseason curtain‑raiser.

The clubs’ partnership has deepened after the summer transfer of 18‑year‑old striker Hamza Abdelkarim, who moved from Al Ahly to Barcelona on loan before the club exercised its purchase option. Recent meetings between Barcelona president Joan Laporta and Al Ahly officials, including president Mahmoud El Khatib, have reinforced the collaboration, which also involves the forthcoming construction of Al Ahly’s new stadium.

Al Ahly will receive a $500,000 appearance fee and a share of match‑day and commercial revenue. The match will be broadcast live on Barcelona’s new streaming platform Barça Play and on YouTube Premium. This fixture will serve as Barcelona’s final major test before their La Liga opener on 23 August, while providing Al Ahly with a high‑profile preparation for their 2026/27 campaign.