Barcelona vs Al Ahly: Match Preview, Predictions, and Lineups for Joan Gamper Trophy

Barcelona will wrap up their preseason with a match against Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly at the 61st Joan Gamper Trophy on Wednesday. This event, held annually since 1966, features top teams from around the globe challenging the Blaugrana in a single friendly game. Al Ahly becomes the first African club to participate in this historic tournament.

Barcelona’s warm-up tour has spanned multiple countries. They began with a closed-doors win over CE Europa in Catalonia, then moved to England for a draw against Birmingham City. After that, they competed in a triangular tournament in Italy facing Nottingham Forest and Udinese, before traveling to Switzerland where they secured a 5–2 victory over Basel.

Their La Liga title defense kicks off Sunday with an away match at Elche. Coach Hansi Flick’s squad benefits from extra preparation time thanks to many players returning late from the World Cup.

Score Prediction: Barcelona Expected to Secure 48th Joan Gamper Trophy

After impressing offensively against Basel, Barcelona looks set to dominate again. Key players like Lamine Yamal returned from international duty and found the net, alongside contributions from Dani Olmo, Pau Cubarsí, Jules Koundé, and newcomer Anthony Gordon.

Flick may field an even stronger lineup at Camp Nou, posing a significant challenge for Al Ahly. The Egyptian side is yet to start their season and faces a level of competition rarely seen at home or in Africa.

The Blaugrana have triumphed in 47 out of 60 previous Gamper matches, including a convincing 5–0 win against Como last year. A lopsided scoreline seems likely again.

• Prediction: Barcelona 4–1 Al Ahly

Projected Lineup for Barcelona

Following bench appearances previously, Jules Koundé and Lamine Yamal might start but could be substituted at halftime. Flick is expected to rotate his squad as players regain match fitness.

With the new season just days away, minutes for recently returned stars will be managed carefully. Anthony Gordon may make his home debut, while Raphinha might lead the attack due to departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.

Injuries continue to sideline Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji, and Pedri's status remains unclear after missing the Basel game.

• Barcelona predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): García; Koundé, Christensen, Martín, Balde; Bernal, Espart; Yamal, López, Gordon; Raphinha

Al Ahly’s Expected Starting Eleven

Manager Hussein Ammouta plans to field several players who appeared for Egypt in the World Cup, including Emam Ashour, Marwan Ateya, and Yasser Ibrahim. New signing Monsef Bakrar, acquired from Dinamo Zagreb, should feature along with other fresh arrivals Akram Tawfik and Soufiane Benjdida.

The squad will also include former striker Hamza Abdelkarim, now with Barcelona, who has impressed during preseason with three goals in recent games.

• Al Ahly predicted lineup (4-3-3): El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Marei, Fouad; Kouka, Ashour, Ateya; Zizo, El Shahat, Bakrar

Match Details: When and Where to Watch

• Location: Barcelona, Spain
• Stadium: Camp Nou
• Date: Wednesday, August 19
• Kick-off Time: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT / 7 p.m. BST

Broadcast Information

• Worldwide: Barça Play, FC Barcelona on YouTube

For a full list of broadcasters covering Barcelona vs Al Ahly worldwide, check official sources.