theathleticuk
Barcelona continue their preseason preparations for the 2026-27 campaign with a friendly against Birmingham City at St Andrew's on Friday. This marks the Spanish champions' second match of the summer, following their first outing, and they will also face Preston North End on Monday at St George's Park.
The Catalan giants have left a number of star players behind due to their extended breaks after the World Cup, meaning a youthful and rotated squad has traveled to England. The match is scheduled for a 7:45pm BST kick-off, which is 2:45pm ET for viewers in the United States, where beIN Sports will broadcast the game. Birmingham supporters can watch via the club's Blues+ service, while Barca Play will stream it for members.
Key Analysis
Barcelona's traveling squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents. Goalkeepers include Wojciech Szczesny, Aron Yaakobishvili, and Iker Rodriguez. The defense is led by Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen, alongside Alejandro Balde, Hector Fort, and several young prospects. In midfield, Frenkie de Jong and Fermin Lopez provide stability, while forwards like Roony Bardghji and Shane Kluivert add attacking flair.
Birmingham City, co-owned by NFL legend Tom Brady, are preparing for their Championship campaign, and this match offers a significant test against top-tier opposition. St Andrew's, with a capacity of nearly 30,000, is expected to be full, given the caliber of the visitors. The club has plans for a new stadium but will continue to call this historic venue home for the foreseeable future.
Originally reported by theathleticuk.