Football fans in Egypt and across the Arab world are eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated Al Ahly vs Barcelona clash at Spotify Camp Nou in the Joan Gamper Trophy.
The match takes place on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, as both teams continue their preparations for the new season.
The game has attracted additional attention because Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim is expected to face his former club Al Ahly in a Barcelona shirt.
Al Ahly vs Barcelona Match Date and Time
The match details are as follows:
- Match: Al Ahly vs Barcelona
- Date: August 19, 2026
- Venue: Spotify Camp Nou
- Competition: Joan Gamper Trophy
- Match type: Friendly
- Kickoff: 9:00 PM Cairo time
The game provides both teams with a valuable opportunity to test their squads ahead of the new season.
Barcelona Expected Lineup
Barcelona are expected to start with a combination of experienced players and young talents looking to impress during the preseason.
Goalkeeper
Joan Garcia.
Defense
Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, Gerard Martin and Alejandro Balde.
Midfield
Marc Bernal, Esparte and Fermin Lopez.
Attack
Lamine Yamal, Karim Adeyemi and Raphinha.
Barcelona Substitutes
Wojciech Szczesny, Jules Kounde, Curtis, Gavi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Ibrahima, Jordan, Basiou and Hamza Abdelkarim.
The expected lineup could change before kickoff depending on the final decisions of the coaching staff.
Al Ahly Expected Lineup
Al Ahly are also preparing for the match with a squad featuring several key players, while a number of others are expected to start from the bench.
Goalkeeper
Mostafa Shobeir.
Defense
Kouka, Hady Riad, Yasser Ibrahim and Mohamed Hany.
Midfield
Marwan Attia, Akram Tawfik and Ali Mahmoud.
Attack
Mohamed Bakkar, Soufiane Bendjida and Achraf Bencharki.
Al Ahly Substitutes
Mohamed El Shenawy, Emam Ashour, Reda, Hamza Abdelkarim, Ahmed, Salah, Zizo and Afsha.
Al Ahly will look to gain maximum technical benefit from the high-profile friendly against one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Hamza Abdelkarim Faces Al Ahly
The match has special significance for Hamza Abdelkarim, who moved from Al Ahly to Barcelona.
The young Egyptian striker now has the opportunity to face his former club, creating one of the most interesting storylines surrounding the match.
According to the expected lineup, Abdelkarim is not expected to start for Barcelona but is included among the substitutes, leaving the possibility of an appearance during the game.
Hamza Abdelkarim's Preseason Form
Abdelkarim has impressed during Barcelona’s preseason preparations, scoring three goals in friendly matches.
His performances have given him an opportunity to remain within the first-team picture as he continues to adapt to his new surroundings.
The Egyptian forward will be looking to maintain his strong form and make the most of any playing time he receives.
A Special Al Ahly vs Barcelona Encounter
The match is more than just a preseason friendly, particularly because it will be played at Spotify Camp Nou.
Hamza Abdelkarim’s presence adds another emotional dimension to the encounter, as the Egyptian striker could face the club where he began his professional journey, this time wearing Barcelona’s colors.
Why Al Ahly vs Barcelona Matters
Although the game is a friendly, the clash represents a valuable test for both teams ahead of the new season.
The coaching staffs can use the match to assess players, experiment with different combinations and improve their technical and physical readiness.
The encounter also gives fans an opportunity to watch two major football clubs meet, with particular attention expected to be placed on Hamza Abdelkarim.
When is Al Ahly vs Barcelona?
The match is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 9:00 PM Cairo time.
Where will Al Ahly vs Barcelona be played?
The match will be played at Spotify Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain.
What competition is Al Ahly vs Barcelona part of?
The match is part of the Joan Gamper Trophy friendly competition.
Will Hamza Abdelkarim play against Al Ahly?
Abdelkarim is included in Barcelona’s squad and is expected to start on the bench, with the possibility of appearing during the match.
How many goals has Hamza Abdelkarim scored in preseason?
Hamza Abdelkarim has scored three goals during Barcelona’s preseason friendly matches.
