Barcelona set to face Al Ahly in Joan Gamper Trophy at Spotify Camp Nou | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are one signature away from confirming Al Ahly as their opponent for the 2026 Joan Gamper Trophy, with the traditional pre-season fixture scheduled for August 19 at the Spotify Camp Nou.

The Egyptian giants have emerged as the chosen rival after other possibilities were considered, and the agreement is now only awaiting formal completion.

According to SPORT, the relationship between Barcelona and Al Ahly strengthened during the operation that brought Hamza Abdelkarim to the club last winter, helping to create the conditions for this latest agreement.

The choice makes sense beyond the football itself.

Al Ahly are the biggest club in Egypt and one of the most successful teams in African football, with a rich domestic and continental history. That gives the Gamper a prestigious opponent with a strong international following.

There is also a clear strategic element for Barcelona.

Egypt represents a major market, and facing Al Ahly offers Barca another opportunity to strengthen their presence in a country with a massive football audience. The connection through Hamza only adds another layer to the fixture.

For the 18-year-old, the match could be especially meaningful if he is involved, having moved from Al Ahly to Barcelona before the club later activated his purchase option.

Barca settle on available option after several alternatives

Barcelona had considered several other opponents, including Borussia Dortmund, Roma, RB Leipzig, Napoli, Ajax and Cruz Azul.

However, the August 19 date created scheduling problems, with many major clubs already committed elsewhere as their domestic seasons approach.

That ultimately made Al Ahly a practical and attractive solution.

Only the final signature remains before the fixture becomes official.

Once that arrives, Barcelona will have their Gamper opponent confirmed, and Al Ahly will bring both sporting pedigree and a unique emotional connection through Hamza to one of the club’s biggest pre-season nights.