FC Barcelona are ready to begin their preparations for the 2025/26 season with their pre-season schedule now confirmed.
After three consecutive summers touring the United States, Barcelona are heading east for their pre-season preparations, embarking on an Asia tour that includes fixtures against top domestic clubs in Japan and South Korea. This strategic shift signals the club’s intention to strengthen its presence in the Asian market, an area of growing commercial potential.
They are not alone - clubs like Liverpool, Newcastle, and Tottenham will also join Barcelona to avoid the buzz and hype around the Club World Cup, with Barça are choosing to tap into a different, equally lucrative audience. With football’s popularity continuing to surge across Asia, the Catalans are seizing the opportunity to broaden their global brand and connect with a passionate fanbase outside Europe.
Barcelona will kick off their pre-season tour against Vissel Kobe, based in the namesake city within Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture. Commercial activities are expected to begin in Tokyo, as the club looks to maximise its presence in one of Asia’s key markets. Vissel Kobe holds a special connection to Barça, having become something of a haven for former Blaugrana stars. Club legend Andrés Iniesta made the move there after leaving Camp Nou, soon followed by fellow alumni David Villa, Sergi Samper, and Bojan Krkić. Don’t be surprised if some of those familiar faces are seen alongside the squad when Barcelona touches down in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Barcelona will return to South Korea for the first time in 15 years as part of their pre-season tour, reigniting a long-standing connection with their passionate Asian fanbase. Following a high-profile fixture against the K-League All-Star team in Seoul, the club will play two additional matches against FC Seoul and Daegu FC. These games will offer fans a rare and exciting opportunity to see global stars like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and others in action, bringing top-tier European football to over 2.3 million supporters in the region.
This tour is not only a vital step in the team’s preparation for the upcoming season but also serves key strategic purposes. It strengthens the club's global brand, boosts commercial revenue through regional partnerships and sponsorships, and provides a meaningful way to reconnect with fans on the other side of the world. By returning to South Korea, Barça continues to expand its international presence while celebrating the shared passion for football that unites its worldwide community.