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

Barcelona Faces Al Ahly in Joan Gamper Trophy Clash

The 61st edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy will see Barcelona wrap up their preseason with a match against Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly. This marks a historic moment as Al Ahly becomes the first African team to participate in this event.

Since its inception in 1966, the trophy has invited top clubs worldwide to challenge the Blaugrana in a single friendly encounter. While Barcelona usually dominates these fixtures, Al Ahly aims to challenge that trend.

Barcelona’s Preseason Journey

The Catalans toured Europe ahead of returning to Camp Nou, starting with a closed-door victory over CE Europa. Their trip continued to England where they drew with Birmingham City before participating in a triangular tournament in Italy facing Nottingham Forest and Udinese. They concluded their tour in Switzerland with a 5–2 win against Basel.

Their La Liga title defense begins Sunday with a trip to Elche. Coach Hansi Flick’s squad enjoys an extra week of preparation thanks to many players returning late from World Cup duty.

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

After displaying strong attacking form against Basel, including goals from returning players like Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Pau Cubarsí, Jules Koundé, and debutant Anthony Gordon, Barcelona look poised to dominate once again. Flick may field an even stronger lineup on home turf, which could overwhelm Al Ahly, who are yet to start their season and face such high-level competition.

The Blaugrana have won 47 of their 60 matches for the Joan Gamper Trophy, including 12 of the last 13 and a commanding 5–0 victory over Como last summer. A decisive win seems likely.

Prediction: Barcelona 4–1 Al Ahly

Expected Starting Lineup for Barcelona

After coming off the bench last match, Jules Koundé and Lamine Yamal may start but could be substituted at halftime. Flick will rotate his squad to manage fitness just days before La Liga resumes. Anthony Gordon might make his Camp Nou debut while Raphinha could lead the attack due to departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.

Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji remain sidelined by injury, and Pedri’s status is unclear following his absence against Basel.

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Goalkeeper: García
• Defenders: Koundé, Christensen, Martín, Balde
• Midfielders: Bernal, Espart
• Attacking Midfielders: Yamal, López, Gordon
• Forward: Raphinha

Al Ahly’s Likely Starting Eleven

Manager Hussein Ammouta plans to field a strong lineup, featuring Egyptian World Cup players such as Emam Ashour, Marwan Ateya, and Yasser Ibrahim. New signing Monsef Bakrar from Dinamo Zagreb should get minutes, alongside other recruits Akram Tawfik and Soufiane Benjdida aiming for starting spots.

Former striker Hamza Abdelkarim, now with Barcelona and performing well in preseason, scored three goals during friendlies against Birmingham and Basel, but he won't feature for Al Ahly.

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Goalkeeper: El Shenawy
• Defenders: Hany, Ibrahim, Marei, Fouad
• Midfielders: Kouka, Ashour, Ateya
• Forwards: Zizo, El Shahat, Bakrar

Match Details

• 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

Where to Watch

• Worldwide: Barça Play, FC Barcelona YouTube channel

For a complete list of broadcasters airing Barcelona vs. Al Ahly globally, check official sources.