Pre-season encounter in Birmingham
Birmingham City is set to host Barcelona in a pre-season fixture described by head coach Chris Davies as “more than a friendly.” The match, taking place at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park, marks a significant event for the second-tier English side, which last competed in the Premier League during the 2010/11 season. Birmingham City, partly owned by NFL legend Tom Brady, earned its sole modern European competition appearance by winning the EFL Cup that season.
Davies emphasised the importance of the game, stating it is a special occasion due to the stature of Barcelona and the fact that it is being held at their home stadium. He believes it will be a memorable event for a long time and an incredible opportunity to bring a club of Barcelona’s magnitude to Birmingham. From a football perspective, Davies views it as a chance to measure their team against top-tier competition.
Squad updates and player availability
Barcelona’s decision to train in England is partly to avoid extensive travel following the World Cup 2026. Midfielder Marc Bernal noted the inclusion of 17 young players in the training squad, highlighting the club’s renowned La Masia academy, especially in the absence of Barcelona’s World Cup stars. Bernal, 19, expressed his happiness at being involved after his previous pre-season was disrupted by injury, calling it a perfect example of Barcelona’s ethos.
For Birmingham City, several players are unavailable due to injury. Left-back Lee Buchanan (knee) and right-back Ethan Laird (hamstring) are long-term absentees. Midfielder Marc Leonard underwent surgery in May for a ruptured Achilles tendon. Recent additions to the squad include Denmark-born former USA international full-back Kristoffer Lund from Palermo, Argentinian striker Luis Vazquez from Anderlecht, midfielder Jhon Solis from Girona for a bid, and centre-back Dael Fry from Middlesbrough. Goalkeeper James Beadle has also joined on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion for the campaign.
On the Barcelona side, Frenkie de Jong has travelled with the team and is working on his recovery from a serious knee injury. Left-back Alejandro Balde has started light training after experiencing back problems. Raphinha, who had an injury-plagued season and missed World Cup matches due to a hamstring issue, is not expected to play but participated in an individual session. Players who have not joined the group after the World Cup include Spain stars such as Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, Dani Olmo, and Pedri. Karim Adeyemi is part of the camp.
Match coverage and historical context
The match is scheduled for Friday at 19:45 BST (14:45 ET / 11:45 PT). In the UK, live coverage is available on beIN SPORTS. Barcelona’s official channel will also broadcast the match in some territories outside the UK, accessible via Barça Play and the FC Barcelona official YouTube channel for subscribers to the Club’s YouTube Pack Premium Members. However, due to broadcasting rights, the game will not be available in the United Kingdom via Barça Play or YouTube.
Historically, Barcelona has a competitive record against English clubs, with 38 wins, 23 draws, and 21 losses in competitive fixtures. Their last visit to an English club resulted in a 1-1 draw against Newcastle in the Champions League last season, followed by a 7-2 victory in the return match. Birmingham City is winless in four previous meetings with Barcelona, all of which occurred in the now-defunct Fairs Cup between 1957 and 1960. Their sole home victory against Barcelona was a 4-3 win in October 1957.
While Barcelona won La Liga last season, Birmingham City finished 10th in the Championship. Birmingham City is set to begin their 2026-27 campaign with an EFL Cup clash against Swansea City, followed by an EFL Championship match against Sheffield United.
Source: 101greatgoals.com
