Barcelona look to continue their perfect start to the season and kick off a new European journey with a win as they welcome Dutch giants Feyenoord to Camp Nou for their Champions League league phase debut.
Here's how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Wednesday's battle:
Barça cruised to a comfortable win against Valencia with Hansi Flick able to rest a few starters while the team didn't have to spend too much energy in the second half, so we are expecting a strong team once again for the European opener.
Eric Garcia broke his nose on Sunday and is suspended for this one due to his red card in Barça's elimination game against Atlético Madrid last season, so Jules Kounde is guaranteed to start at right-back. Pau Cubarsí will start at center-back and we think Andreas Christensen, who has been healthy and performed well to start the season, will be picked as his partner ahead of Gerard Martín.
Xavi Espart has played every second of football so far and João Cancelo didn't feature at all against Valencia, so we think the Portuguese will make his first start of the season at left-back to give Espart a chance to rest.

#think

The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana travel to Mestalla for a La Liga game against Valencia, and Hansi Flick has called up the following 24 players for Sunday's clash:
Goalkeepers: 1. Joan Garcia, 13. Wojciech Szczesny, 25. Dominik Livakovic
Defenders: 2. João Cancelo, 3. Alejandro Balde, 5. Pau Cubarsí, 12. Xavi Espart, 15. Andreas Christensen, 18. Gerard Martín, 23. Jules Kounde, 24. Eric Garcia
Midfielders: 4. Brian Fariñas, 6. Gavi, 7. Fermín López, 8. Pedri, 16. Rodri, 20. Dani Olmo, 22. Marc Bernal
Forwards: 9. Gabriel Jesus, 10. Lamine Yamal, 11. Raphinha, 14. Karim Adeyemi, 17. Anthony Gordon, 29. Hamza Abdelkarim

#garcia #mestalla #valencia

Barcelona new signing Jesse Bisiwu has opened up on how he's settling into life at the club after making the switch from Club Brugge this summer.
The 18-year-old has already caught the eye by scoring twice in a pre-season friendly against Basel and will be hoping he can impress in Catalunya.
Bisiwu named Jules Kounde and Frenkie de Jong as two players who have been looking out for his so far and was quick to respond which asked which player has impressed him most at Barca since he joined.
"Raphinha, without a doubt," he told Het Laatste Nieuw. "I find it incredible how he gives 100% in every training session."
Bisiwu also admitted that it's been a big step up but that he's doing his best to show his skills on the training ground.

#jesse #brugge

Barcelona will play their first home LaLiga fixture of the season at the Camp Nou on Thursday, hosting Athletic Club in a midweek encounter.
The hosts arrive in excellent form after an emphatic 5-0 victory over Elche that launched their campaign. Under Hansi Flick, Barcelona have displayed sharp tactics and a potent attacking threat. They have claimed three wins in their past five league outings, with their forward play clicking — averaging just over two goals per game during that period.
FC Barcelona look set to hand a long-awaited club debut to high-profile summer signing Rodri, who has completed successive training sessions following a minor back operation and is expected to be named among the substitutes.
Flick appears ready to tweak his back line at the Spotify Camp Nou, with Pau Cubarsí, Jules Koundé and João Cancelo likely to return to the starting XI after being rested last time out.
The Catalans do, however, face a midfield concern as Gavi is doubtful after suffering a heavy knee contusion against Elche; scans excluded a serious ligament injury, but he missed the squad's final training session.

#flick #training #thursday

The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana kick off a new season with a trip to Elche for the first La Liga game of the campaign, and Hansi Flick has called up the following 23 players for Sunday's clash:
Goalkeepers: Joan Garcia, Wojciech Szczesny, Eder Aller
Defenders: João Cancelo, Pau Cubarsí, Andreas Christensen, Gerard Martín, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Álvaro Cortés, Jordi Pesquer
Midfielders: Gavi, Fermín López, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Marc Bernal, Brian Fariñas, Xavi Espart
Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Karim Adeyemi, Anthony Gordon, Hamza Abdelkarim

#garcia #elche #goalkeepers #wojciech

FC Barcelona have officially announced the signing of Joao Cancelo.
The Portuguese player has terminated his contract with Al Hilal and is set to begin a new chapter with Barcelona. This time on a permanent deal.
It could not be confirmed this past Wednesday in time for Joao to be officially presented to the Barça fans at the Joan Gamper Trophy, which sparked his anger, but it has been done this Thursday.
His versatility will strengthen both full-back positions, and he will provide strong competition for both Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde.
He is expected to be presented in the coming hours.

#cancelo

Barcelona defender Eric Garcia looks set for a major change in role next season after revealing that Hansi Flick wants to use him as a right-back.
The Spanish international started in that position during Barcelona's 2-1 win over Al-Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy, with Jules Kounde moving inside to operate at right centre-back.
Garcia has now confirmed that the tactical switch was not a one-off experiment.
After speaking with Flick, the defender revealed that the Barcelona manager wants to give him an extended run at full-back during the new campaign.
Eric Garcia's versatility has made him an important option for Barcelona, and it appears Flick is ready to make greater use of that quality.

#flick

The future of Jules Kounde has become a subject of much discussion soon after his return to the Barcelona camp, after an extended summer break.
The right-back was a part of the French team that reached the semifinal in the World Cup. And as he gears up for the season ahead, he has been linked with a move away from Camp Nou.
However, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Kounde's exit is not on the anvil right now, despite the player being linked with a move to ****** nal lately. In fact, the defender may have a change of roles this coming season.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have 'accepted' that Kounde can operate as a centre-back in the coming season.
Kounde may have to play a more versatile role in defence this season. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

#Barcelona #back #coming

Jules Kounde is the latest of the Barcelona stars to have rejoined training this summer after their stint at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, soon after rejoining training, Kounde has been linked with an exit from Camp Nou, with ***** nal among the clubs reportedly interested in his services.
It appears Mikel Arteta is looking for a versatile defender to strengthen his backline this summer and Kounde has emerged as one of the ideal solutions.
What's in store for Kounde this summer? (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
That being said, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that ***** nal have not made any concrete moves to sign Kounde.

#arsenal #jules #however #camp

According to Mundo Deportivo, FC Barcelona defender Jules Kounde is back at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.
The French defender returned to the Catalan club's training facilities on Tuesday following his holiday, exactly as planned.
Kounde finished his participation in the World Cup one day earlier than the Spanish internationals after playing in the third-place playoff against England.
As a result, he was given one fewer day of vacation than the world champions and returned to Barcelona on Tuesday.
With the Frenchman's return, along with the early arrivals of Gavi, Joan Garcia and Eric Garcia, Hansi Flick is now only waiting for Pau Cubarsi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal to rejoin the squad.

#kounde

The decisive days of the transfer window are approaching, and FC Barcelona are entering a period of major movement.
The club's priorities remain the arrivals of Rodri, Julian Alvarez and Joao Cancelo, but departures are just as important as they look to create the salary-cap room needed to complete Deco and Hansi Flick's ambitious plans.
Ronald Araujo has already left, while Barcelona expect Marc Casado to depart for around €40 million in the coming days.
Another player who could leave if a sufficiently attractive offer arrives is Jules Kounde. The Frenchman has returned to pre-season training, but ****** nal are closely monitoring his situation, reports SPORT.
If Kounde signals that he is open to leaving, the London club would be prepared to make a move for a defender capable of operating both at centre-back and right-back.

#Barcelona #kounde #joao #deco

A trio of first-team stars at La Liga giants Barcelona on Sunday moved to reiterate their commitment to the cause with a view to the season ahead in Catalunya's capital.
This came through respective early returns to pre-season training.
The majority of Hansi Flick's squad have of course now reported to base at the Ciutat Esportiva to kickstart preparations for the 2026/27 campaign. The likes of Marc Bernal, Alejandro Balde and Wojciech Szczęsny, in fact, have been hard at work for a number of weeks already.
For those members of Barca's ranks to have advanced all the way to the semi-finals of this summer's World Cup, though, their comebacks were pencilled in for this coming Wednesday, August 12th.
This group includes the likes of Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Jules Koundé.

#hansi

Barcelona are set to make another signing as João Cancelo's permanent transfer from Al-Hilal will be completed in the coming days.
According to Diario SPORT, the deal is "imminent" as there has been a breakthrough in talks between Barça and the Saudi club this weekend and an agreement is expected to be reached for €10 million.
The Portuguese full-back was spotted training alone in Portugal this week instead of returning to the Al-Hilal squad after the World Cup, and reports from Saudi confirmed his absence was agreed with the club as his departure is finalized.
Cancelo's signing was considered a key piece of business for Barça this summer and a personal request from Hansi Flick, who thoroughly enjoyed working with Cancelo during his loan spell in the second half of last season.
Cancelo's arrival will trigger exits for younger full-backs, with Héctor Fort, Xavi Espart and Jofre Torrents all expected to leave on loan to get minutes elsewhere. Flick is planning next season's squad with Jules Kounde and Eric García at right-back and Cancelo sharing left-back duties with Alejandro Balde.

#hilal

There were some rumors swirling that Bayern Munich had interest in FC Barcelona star Jules Koundé, but it does not appear as if the right-back will be on the move:
Barcelona star Jules Koundé is ready to rebuff the advances of one of European football’s leading clubs in favour of staying put this summer.
This comes amid the understanding that the Frenchman has emerged as a leading transfer target on the part of those in a position of power at German champions Bayern Munich.
As first reported by BILD, and since confirmed by Diario Sport, the Bayern brass have identified Koundé as the ideal addition to Vincent Kompany’s defensive ranks with a view to next season.
As per a report from Sport:

Spain dominated France in Dallas to win 2-0 and reach their first World Cup final since 2010, and will face either England or Argentina in New Jersey on Sunday.
BBC Sport's Neil Johnston ******* ses how the players performed on Tuesday - and you can see how readers rated them at the bottom of the page too.
Mike Maignan: Guessed the right way for Mikel Oyarzabal's penalty but beaten for pace and power. Also guilty of some poor distribution. 5
Jules Kounde: Struggled at times with his passing. France have looked so solid at the back at this World Cup but they came undone in what some might say was their first serious test. 5
Dayot Upamecano: Has been huge for France in the USA and made a significant block to deny Fabian Ruiz at 1-0. However, it was all to no avail. 5

30’ — Injury substitution for France. William Saliba down with apparent non-contact injury. Maxence Lacroix on in in his stead.
23’ — GOOOOOAL! Spain strike! Mikel Oyarzabal makes no mistake from the spot. France in an early hole.
20’ — Penalty Spain! Lucas Digne receives in the box by heading it to himself, then turning around to whip it. Unfortunately he only catches Lamine Yamal and conceded an early penalty for Spain!
Lineups are out!
France: Maignan; Koundé – Upamecano – Saliba – Digne; Tchouaméni – Rabiot; Dembélé – Olise – Barcola; Mbappé

Bayern Munich have made initial enquiries about FC Barcelona star Jules Kounde, contacting the French defender’s representatives to ******* s his current situation and determine whether he would be open to a future move.
While reports in Germany had suggested interest from the Bavarians over the weekend, SPORT now confirms from sources close to the situation, the Bundesliga champions have recently sought information regarding Kounde’s contractual status and long-term intentions.
Although Kounde remains an important member of Hansi Flick’s squad, he is not considered untouchable.
After establishing himself as one of the world’s best right-backs last season, the French international has struggled to maintain the same level of consistency throughout the current campaign.
While he has continued to produce strong performances, Barcelona believe occasional lapses in concentration have proved costly in several matches.

A member of the defensive ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona has emerged as a headline summer transfer target on the part of German champions Bayern Munich.
This comes amid the understanding that the Bavarians are giving serious consideration to tabling an offer for Jules Koundé.
Stopper Koundé has for his part spent the summer to date providing any who may have forgotten with a reminder of his unquestionable talents.
Following an underwhelming campaign at club level with Barcelona, the 27-year-old has shone from his berth at right-back en route to France booking a spot in the semi-finals of the World Cup.
And Koundé's performances along the way have evidently not gone unnoticed on the part of those in the boardroom at the aforementioned Bayern Munich.

Barça's 26/27 season about to begin – FC Barcelona
Monday sees Barça's 2026/27 season get under way with a 9am CEST start for Hansi Flick and his squad. The return to action for the squad with the usual medical and fitness tests in preseason marks the beginning of a third campaign under the German coach.
Kounde in top form on his way to the semi-finals – FC Barcelona
Barça's French defender puts in an almost perfect display as Didier Deschamps' team reach the last four of the World Cup.
Spain 2-1 Belgium: Merino books Spain semi-final with France – FIFA
Fabian Ruiz and Mikel Merino got the goals as Spain edged Belgium 2-1 in FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals, securing them a showdown with France.
Barcelona near deal for Borussia Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi – ESPN
Barcelona are closing in on the signing of Karim Adeyemi after a breakthrough in negotiations with Borussia Dortmund, sources confirmed to ESPN.
Adeyemi plans to travel to Barcelona next week – Mundo Deportivo
Barça have a verbal agreement to sign the German striker, who plans to travel to the Catalan city early next week to sign his contract as a Blaugrana player.

After France’s slender 1-0 win over Paraguay in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Didier Deschamps said that he wouldn’t criticise the referee of the encounter, nor would he criticise the South American opposition.
He did nonetheless note that France received three yellow cards and, despite “lots of fouls against [them]”. Paraguay received none, but were strongly criticised for their aggression and antics throughout the game, with former England goalkeeper Joe Hart calling them a “disgrace” on the BBC broadcast of the fixture.
Matías Galarza was at the centre of a couple of contentious moments as he lashed out an arm at Kylian Mbappé and then, later in the game, Jules Koundé. Both incidents went unpunished, with not even a foul blown.
Ilgiz Tantashev, the Uzbek referee in charge of the game, has come in for considerable criticism for his management of the encounter, as Paraguay went unpunished. L’Équipe handed the referee a rare ‘1’ rating.
The publication stated, “The Uzbek referee incredibly allowed the Paraguayan’s aggressions to go completely unpunished and kept his cards for the France players. He got almost everything wrong.”

World Cup favourites France face Paraguay in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. With France on fire after an outstanding performance vs. Sweden in the last round, most people expect them to get a big win over the South Americans.
But Paraguay have built up the reputation of the surprise team of the tournament - they've beaten Türkiye and Germany in order to fight for a place in the quarter-finals now.
Bayern Munich's superstars Michael Olise and Dayot Upamecano have become key players for Didier Deschamps' France side and Olise especially has transformed into one of the most important players for the super squad from Western Europe. Everytime he plays, he receives Ballon d'Or shouts - and deservedly so.
With just about an hour to go until kick-off, here are the confirmed lineups of both teams:
France (4-2-3-1): Maignan - Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Digne - Koné, Rabiot - Dembélé, Olise, Barcola - Mbappé

Barcelona’s efforts to restore financial stability this summer may require a significant sacrifice, and Jules Kounde has emerged as one of the players the club could consider selling.
According to SPORT, the French defender is available on the market for around €65 million, with Barcelona prepared to study offers if suitable proposals arrive.
The decision is linked directly to the club’s ongoing objective of complying with La Liga’s 1:1 rule, which remains a priority in order to sign a new player.
While departures such as Ansu Fati’s have already helped ease the wage bill, the feeling within the club is that another high-profile exit may still be required.
The Jules Kounde situation has gained attention at a time when Barcelona are actively searching for ways to improve their financial position.

France face Sweden on Tuesday at East Rutherford's MetLife Stadium for their 2026 FIFA World Cup last-32. After winning Group I with three consecutive wins against Senegal (3-1), Iraq (3-0) and Norway (4-1), Les Bleusare the overwhelming favourites against Graham Potter's side, although Adrien Rabiot is adamant his teammates won't let their guard down.
Didier Deschamps, who has returned to the France camp after attending his motehr's funeral on Friday, has announced that Inter Milan's Marcus Thuram will miss out. Fenerbahçe's N'Golo Kanté is also a doubt, but the pair was not expected to start anyway.
Compared to Friday's win, Deschamps is understood to make some changes. After being rested against Norway, ***** nal's William Saliba is set to get his spot back alongside Dayot Upamecano. Aston Villa's Lucas Digne is expected to get the nod ahead of Théo Hernandez, who conceded a penalty against Norway.
The left side of Frace's frightening attack is set to be tweaked too with the introduction of Bradley Barcola at the expense of Désiré Doué. Should they win against Sweden, Les Bleus will face Paraguay on July 4th.
Mike Maignan; Lucas Digne, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Jules Koundé; Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni; Bradley Barcola, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé; Kylian Mbappé. (L'Éq)

There are two big questions for France going into their FIFA World Cup opener against Senegal on Tuesday night.
The first pertains to who will start on the left wing. Marcus Thuram started there against the Ivory Coast in a World Cup warm-up, however, it was Désiré Doué who started against Northern Ireland. He struggled and there have been reports that Bradley Barcola may be preferred to his Paris Saint-Germain teammate. However, L’Équipe understands that it will be Doué who gets the nod.
With Michael Olise being pushed out to the right, Ousmane Dembélé will likely start in the No.10 role. The second question mark pertains to the fitness of William Saliba. The ****** nal defender continues to contend with a back injury but is expected to start for Les Bleus against Senegal.
Mike Maignan; Théo Hernandez, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Jules Koundé; Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni; Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise; Kylian Mbappé. (L’Éq)
GFFN | Luke Entwistle

Barcelona’s summer transfer plans seem to firmly include signing defensive depth in the full-back positions.
The club have been linked with a move for versatile Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso, who is said to be tempted by the possibility of joining the Catalan club.
Speculation is also rife about the futures of Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde, with the incumbent Barcelona full-backs linked with moves away from the club.
Barcelona admire Marco Palestra. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Atalanta full-back Marco Palestra remains a player admired by Barcelona’s sporting department.

After the high-profile signing of Anthony Gordon, Barcelona will be keen on shoring up their ranks in defence as well.
The club have been linked with quite a few options, particularly in the fullback area, with both Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde’s long-term futures at Camp Nou far from certain.
While Marc Cucurella has emerged as one of the top options, Barcelona have also been keeping an eye on Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus.
Cambiaso has been crucial for Juventus. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari has offered a fresh update on the future of Cambiaso, confirming that Barcelona are indeed tracking the Italian fullback.