Barcelona could miss out on the 2025/26 women’s tournament due to a lack of dates

Busy calendar could prevent Blaugrana from hosting annual preseason event

FC Barcelona may be forced to cancel the 2025/26 Joan Gamper Trophy for their women’s team due to a lack of available dates, according to sources close to the club. The decision would mark a rare absence of the prestigious preseason event in the women’s calendar.

The Gamper Trophy is traditionally held in August and serves as a high-profile friendly match to kick off the season. However, Barcelona’s congested schedule including domestic competitions, a preseason tour, and returning international players has made planning the fixture nearly impossible.

Tight Preseason Ahead

Barcelona Femení are set to compete in the Catalan Cup final on August 16, followed by a tour in Mexico from August 19–25. The team will then jump straight into the new F League season starting August 31. With such a compressed schedule, club officials say no viable date remains for the Joan Gamper match.

Dominant 2024/25 Season Sets High Expectations

The Blaugrana women come off a dominant season in Spain, winning all domestic titles  the F League, Copa de la Reina, and Spanish Super Cup. They also reached the Women’s Champions League final, finishing as runners-up to Arsenal.

Many key players also featured in the recently concluded Women’s Euro 2025, including numerous Spanish internationals. These players are expected to return to training later than the rest of the squad, further complicating preseason planning.

Gamper Trophy Faces Rare Pause

The Joan Gamper Trophy, held annually for both the men’s and women’s teams, is not expected to take place for the women this year. While not yet officially canceled, Barcelona insiders suggest that the club is unlikely to find a solution unless the calendar is significantly adjusted.

For now, fans may have to wait until the 2026/27 season for the women’s edition of the Joan Gamper to return to the schedule.