Brazil likely to host Barcelona for summer friendlies between 2026 and 2028 – report | OneFootball

In an exciting development, as reported by SPORT, it has come to light that the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo has emerged as a potential host for two high-profile friendly matches for Barcelona between 2026 and 2028.

This move is part of Sao Paulo’s ambitious bid to bring international football to the heart of Brazil, with the city positioning itself as the ideal destination for one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

As such, Sao Paulo is already working on plans to host a mini pre-season tour for Barcelona. The proposed tour would feature two friendly matches and would take place across three consecutive summers between 2026 and 2028.

The project is being led by Sao Paulo’s public tourism agency, SPTuris, in collaboration with the sports marketing agency Noblu Sport.

Details of the planned event

The CEO of SPTuris, Gustavo Pires, is scheduled to visit Barcelona this weekend, where he will attend the highly anticipated El Clasico at Montjuic between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Barcelona have never played in Brazil. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

This visit will allow Pires to gather critical insights and establish initial talks with Barcelona’s management. As reported by Brazilian media, the Blaugrana’s sporting director Deco is expected to represent the club in negotiations.

This initiative marks a historic first for Barcelona, as the club has never played in Brazil in its 125-year history. While Barça have visited other South American countries, including Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile, Brazil has remained a notable absence from the list of host nations.

Proposed opponents

The proposed opponents for Barcelona in Sao Paulo could be one of the city’s football giants: Corinthians, Sao Paulo FC, or Palmeiras. These clubs have rich histories and passionate fan bases, making them ideal candidates for international friendlies.

A clash between Barcelona and any of these Brazilian powerhouses would undoubtedly draw large crowds and provide a thrilling spectacle for fans.

If this deal materialises, it would not only be a significant moment in Barcelona’s history but also a major boost for Sao Paulo, further solidifying its status as a global hub for sports tourism.

For now, all eyes will be on Deco and his team as they negotiate the terms and pave the way for this exciting venture into Brazil.