Official: Barcelona confirm venue for their first home game of the 2025/26 season | OneFootball

After weeks of speculations and rumours, FC Barcelona have finally announced that their first home game of the 2025/26 season will not take place at Spotify Camp Nou, but instead at Estadi Johan Cruyff.

“FC Barcelona announces that the LaLiga Matchday 4 match, scheduled for Sunday, September 14, at 9:00 p.m. against Valencia CF, will not yet be played at the Spotify Camp Nou,” the statement read.

“The Club is working intensively to obtain the necessary administrative permits for the opening of the Spotify Camp Nou stadium in the near future. Therefore, the match will ultimately be played at the Estadi Johan Cruyff.”

The Blaugrana had earmarked the game against Valencia, on 14 September, as the one which would see them make a grand comeback to Camp Nou after two years.

However, the progress at the stadium has not been enough for the City Council to grant the Blaugrana the First Occupancy Licence to reopen the stadium even partially.

Despite the club’s efforts until the last minute, it has not worked out, and as such, Barcelona will play their first home game at Estadi Johan Cruyff in Sant Joan Despi.

“FC Barcelona thanks its members and fans for their understanding and support during the complex yet exciting process of returning to the new Spotify Camp Nou. The Club will soon provide information on all details regarding match organization and ticketing.”

This is the second time in as many months that a return to Camp Nou has failed to materialise as Barcelona had initially planned to reopen the stadium in August for the Joan Gamper Trophy on 10 August.

As per reports, a return to the hallowed turf looks unlikely this month. However, the next couple of home games are likely to be played at Montjuic.