FC Barcelona's Pre-Season Friendly Cancelled Over Preston's Squad Shortage

FC Barcelona travelled to England for pre‑season training, playing a first friendly against Birmingham City (2‑2, lost on penalties). A second match was scheduled for 3 August with Championship side Preston North End at St George's Park.

Preston announced the game would be cancelled a day before kickoff because it did not have enough first‑team players, the club beginning its season on 8 August against Huddersfield Town and wishing to avoid injury risk. The club offered Barcelona a youth side, which Barcelona rejected, preferring a more competitive test. Consequently Barcelona will return to Spain earlier than planned and will meet Nottingham Forest on 8 August in Udine, Italy, before opening their La Liga campaign on 23 August against Elche.