Barcelona could face Liverpool in Nairobi as part of their preparations for the 2026-27 season, according to a report by Catalan newspaper Sport, in what would be one of the most high-profile football fixtures ever staged in Kenya.
This came after a club management meeting that discussed the summer tour program and the external training camp plan.
According to Sport, the coaching staff, led by Hansi Flick, prefers to hold the training camp in a nearby, comfortable environment for the players, avoiding long trips and focusing on physical preparation.
Meanwhile, the executive management views the tour as an important opportunity to enhance the club’s global presence and market its brand.
The closest option currently is to hold a two-week camp in the English city of Birmingham, with a friendly match there on July 30, in addition to the possibility of organizing another match within England before the end of the main preparation phase.
Barcelona Could Play Liverpool in a Pre-Season Friendly Match in Kenya
The report indicates that once Barcelona concludes its pre-season training camp, the club is weighing two possible options to extend its summer tour.
The first option would see the team travel to Nairobi for a high-profile friendly against Liverpool FC on August 8, a fixture described as highly attractive given the stature of both clubs.
Alternatively, Barcelona is also considering a shorter trip to Morocco, where they would play a match against a local side on August 5.
“Once the stage is finished, the club considers two stages to continue the tour. The first would be to travel to Nairobi to face Liverpool FC on August 8, in a highly attractive match. The other option would be to play a match in Morocco on August 5 against a local team, an alternative that is also valued for its proximity,” read the report in part.
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Talanta Stadium Emerges as Potential Venue
The most suitable venue for such a match in Nairobi would potentially be the 60,000-seater Talanta Stadium, which is in the final stages of construction as Kenya prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Talanta Stadium is expected to become Kenya’s largest stadium upon completion, positioning the country as a serious contender in hosting major international tournaments.
A final decision on the club’s pre-season schedule is yet to be made, with discussions still ongoing over travel plans, commercial considerations, and sporting priorities.
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If it does happen, it would be their first meeting since Liverpool’s historic 4-0 comeback victory in the 2019 UEFA Champions League semi-final at Anfield.
Meanwhile, the Reds have already confirmed a tour of the United States in late July and early August, where they will face Sunderland, Wrexham, and Leeds United in Nashville, New York, and Chicago, respectively.
