FC Barcelona Preseason 2024: Your Complete Guide to Watching Every Friendly Match

Hey there, Culers! The new season is creeping closer, and that means one thing: preseason friendlies are here. Whether you’re cheering for the men’s team or the women’s team (Barça Femení), we’ve got the ultimate cheat sheet so you don’t miss a single kick.

Quick Overview: What You Need to Know Right Now

IMPORTANT: Geo-Restrictions Apply!
Broadcasting rights are tricky. Some matches are only available in Spain, and one is blocked in Egypt and the United Kingdom. Always check the "Where Can I Watch?" section for each game below.

Men’s Team Preseason Schedule

1. FC Barcelona vs. FC Basel

• When: Sunday | 4:30 PM CEST
• Where: St. Jakob-Park (Basel, Switzerland)
• Broadcast Rights: Spain ONLY

2. Estrella Damm Gamper Fest: FC Barcelona vs. Al-Ahly

• When: Wednesday, August 19 | 8:00 PM CEST
• Where: Spotify Camp Nou (First match of the season at home! )
• Broadcast Rights: WORLDWIDE (Except Egypt )

How to Watch:

• Barça Play (Members & Culers Premium)
• YouTube (YouTube Pack Premium Members)

Barça Femení Preseason Schedule

1. Manchester City vs. Barça Femení

• When: August 15 | 5:00 PM CEST
• Where: England (Manchester City’s turf)
• Broadcast Rights: Spain ONLY

How to Watch:

• Barça Play (Members & Culers Premium)
• YouTube (YouTube Pack Premium Members)

2. Estrella Damm Gamper Fest: Barça Femení vs. Brighton & Hove Albion

• When: August 21 | 8:00 PM CEST
• Where: Spotify Camp Nou (Presumably)
• Broadcast Rights: WORLDWIDE (Except United Kingdom )

How to Watch:

• Barça Play (Members & Culers Premium)
• YouTube (YouTube Pack Premium Members)

Your Access Pass: Which Subscription Do You Need?

Think of these as your "tickets" to the digital stadium. Here is the simple breakdown:

1. Are you a Barça Member (Soci)?

   • You’re golden. Barça Play is included in your membership benefits for all listed matches.
2. Not a Member? (Men’s & Women’s Team)
   • Option A: Subscribe to "Culers Premium" on Barça Play.
   • Option B: Become a "YouTube Pack Premium Member" on the official FC Barcelona YouTube channel.

Pro Tip: Both platforms cover both the men’s and women’s friendlies. Pick the app you prefer!

Step-by-Step: How to Get Ready for Kickoff

1. Check the Match Time: Convert CEST (Central European Summer Time) to your local time zone.
2. Verify Your Location: Look at the "Broadcast Rights" for the specific match. Are you in a restricted country (Spain-only, Egypt, UK)?
3. Choose Your Platform: Decide between Barça Play (App/Web) or YouTube (App/Web/TV).
4. Secure Access:
   • Members: Log in with your member credentials.
   • Non-Members: Purchase Culers Premium (Barça Play) or YouTube Pack Premium (YouTube).
5. Test Your Stream: Log in 15 minutes early to avoid last-minute buffering!
6. Grab Snacks & Enjoy: Visca el Barça!

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

Q1: I live in the USA/UK/Latin America. Can I watch the Basel game?
A: No. The FC Basel friendly is geo-blocked everywhere except Spain due to TV rights sold to other broadcasters in those regions.

Q2: What is the difference between Barça Play and YouTube Premium?
A: Barça Play is the club’s own dedicated streaming app (like Netflix for Barça). YouTube Pack Premium is a paid subscription on the official FC Barcelona YouTube channel. Both show the same games, but Barça Play offers English commentary for the men’s games; YouTube only offers Catalan.

Q3: Does one subscription cover both Men’s and Women’s teams?
A: Yes! Whether you pay for Culers Premium (Barça Play) or YouTube Pack Premium, you get access to all the friendlies listed above for both teams.

Q4: Why is the Gamper Fest vs. Al-Ahly available worldwide but the Basel game isn’t?
A: The Gamper Trophy is organized by FC Barcelona, so they own the global TV rights. The Basel game is organized by the Swiss club (or a tournament organizer), who sold the rights to local broadcasters in each country, blocking the club’s own channels outside Spain.

Q5: I am a Barça Member. Do I need to do anything special to watch on YouTube?
A: Being a Member gives you Barça Play for free. It does not automatically unlock YouTube Pack Premium. If you prefer watching on YouTube, you would need to buy that specific YouTube subscription separately.

Summary: Don’t Miss a Minute!

Bottom Line: If you want English commentary and the widest access (especially for the Camp Nou games), Barça Play (Culers Premium) is your best bet. If you are a Member, you’re already set on Barça Play!

Enjoy the preseason, Culers! Let’s get ready for the titles!