Reigning champions FC Barcelona have struck a deal with La Liga that would see them begin the 2025-26 season with at least three away games.
The Catalan side reached an agreement with La Liga to play at least the first three matches of the 2025-26 season away from home, according to Sport. This unusual arrangement gives the club additional time to complete final renovations and safety checks at the new Spotify Camp Nou.
This plan includes skipping any home matches until mid-September, with the Joan Gamper Trophy in early August serving as a limited-capacity test run for the stadium following a massive renovation.
The friendly match will host around 25,000 fans, helping the club evaluate stadium operations before official competition begins.
After two seasons playing at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium in Montjuic, Barcelona are preparing to return home, but not before ensuring the stadium is fully functional and safe.
Much of the temporary infrastructure at Montjuic has already been dismantled, and events like concerts are booked at the venue, making a return there unlikely.
The Spanish champions’ return to Camp Nou could be after the first international break in early September. If UEFA agrees, Barca could even start their Champions League campaign away from home, pushing their first European game at Camp Nou to late September or October.