Barcelona cancel Morocco friendly amid Ceuta border crisis

On 7 August 2026, Barcelona announced it had cancelled a pre-season friendly against Ittihad Riadi Tangier in north-western Morocco that had been scheduled for 15 August. The club said, "In light of the current uncertainty and circumstances, FC Barcelona considers playing the match would be inappropriate," and while it did not specify a reason, BBC Sport understands the decision is linked to the situation in Ceuta.

Ceuta is a Spanish enclave that borders Morocco on the North African coast, and about 78,000 migrants crossed into the Spanish territory from Morocco by sea last week, a movement that resulted in 100 deaths. A large majority of those migrants have since returned to Morocco, but between 3,000 and 5,000 remain in Ceuta.

The crisis prompted diplomatic actions in Europe: Italy suspended its Schengen arrangement with Spain, a move backed by Finland and Denmark, while the Czech Republic called for Spain's Schengen membership to be temporarily suspended.

Barcelona prepared for the new season with a training camp in England, where they played Birmingham City. The club also had a friendly with Preston North End cancelled after that UK camp.

Barcelona are scheduled to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday in the Italian city of Udine and will host Egypt's Al Ahly on 19 August; Hansi Flick's side will begin their La Liga title defence against Elche on 23 August.