Hansi Flick is guiding his third preseason at FC Barcelona since taking over in 2024, with the UEFA Champions League standing as the club’s primary target for the 2026-27 campaign. However, the German manager has faced another speedbump in his preparations after Barcelona were forced to cancel another exhibition match, marking the team’s second cancellation of the summer.
On Thursday, August 6, Barcelona issued an official statement announcing that a planned friendly in Tangier, Morocco, has been scrapped. The Blaugrana was scheduled to travel to North Africa for a final overseas fixture, and though an opponent had not been formally locked in, the event was officially canceled.
The club statement read: “FC Barcelona informs that the men’s first team friendly match in Tangier potentially scheduled for 15 August has been ruled out. In light of the current uncertainty and circumstances, FC Barcelona considers playing the match would be inappropriate.“
Barcelona were expected to face local club IR Tanger at the 75,000-seat Tangier Grand Stadium, a venue renovated for last year’s Africa Cup of Nations. The decision marks the second friendly Barcelona has canceled this preseason, following the cancellation of a behind-closed-doors match against Preston North End in England.
That match, originally set for last Monday, was called off after the Lilywhites failed to field enough first-team players to meet roster requirements. Preston offered to play using its Under-21 squad, but Hansi Flick ultimately elected to conduct a closed training session instead.
What remains on Barcelona’s preseason schedule?
Following a brief preseason swing through England, Barcelona returned to thir Ciutat Esportiva training facility to continue work ahead of the season opener. Key stars who participated in the 2026 World Cup, including Lamine Yamal and Pedri, are scheduled to report back to the squad on August 12 as preparations pick up.
On Saturday, August 8, Barcelona will compete in a triangular exhibition in Udine, Italy, squaring off against Nottingham Forest and Udinese. The tournament format features 45-minute matches against both English and Italian opponents in the inaugural Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup.
With a full squad available following the return of its World Cup stars, Barcelona will conclude its preseason slate with the annual Joan Gamper Trophy on August 19. The Blaugrana will host Egyptian giant Al Ahly at Spotify Camp Nou before kicking off its La Liga season against Elche on Sunday, August 23.
