Is Barça going to South America? From Brazil, a preseason friendly is being explored: When would it be?

The option of seeing FC Barcelona playing friendly matches in South America no longer sounds so far-fetched. Although initially there were rumors about a possible match in Venezuela that did not transcend in the media, now the option of the Blaugrana team playing in Brazil is emerging more strongly.

São Paulo wants to host Barcelona in its preseason

According to 'ESPN Brasil', SP Turis, the body responsible for tourism and events in the city of São Paulo, has the firm intention of having the Catalan team play one or two preseason matches between 2026 and 2028. In turn, it is asserted that the project is still in an embryonic phase, and legal, financial and operational studies are being carried out to assess its viability before presenting a formal proposal to the Catalan team.

Likewise, it is commented that the president of SP Turis, Gustavo Pires, officially notified Barcelona of the city's interest. In fact, the president was present at the Clásico (4-3) played last Sunday at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, as part of the institutional rapprochement process.

"What we have at this moment is a clear intention from the City of São Paulo to start negotiations to host Barcelona's preseason matches between 2026 and 2028," explained Pires. In addition, Gustavo affirmed the willingness to find the necessary mechanisms to carry out this initiative: "We want to start a dialogue with the private sector to study forms of association that make the club's arrival viable and offer the city a new great spectacle."

Direct observation in Barcelona

Pires positively valued his visit to the Catalan stronghold, emphasizing that observing closely the organization of an event of such caliber as the Clásico can help them to materialize the dream of hosting a European team in preseason:

"Observing closely how they organize an event of this magnitude can help us to realize the dream of seeing a European team do their preseason in São Paulo in the coming years"

Deco celebrates the option of seeing Barça play in Brazil

It remains to be seen what relevance this proposal acquires in the coming months. For now, the only one who has spoken out —although unofficially— has been Deco, who in an interview granted to 'ESPN Brasil', was enthusiastic about the option of Barcelona playing a friendly in Brazilian lands.

The former player recalled the deep connection between the club and Brazil, stressing that some of the greatest Brazilian legends have worn the Blaugrana shirt, which would strengthen the bond and make the organization of a friendly match in that country even more special.

"It's not my area, I don't dedicate myself to marketing, but I have always felt that Brazil is very connected with Barcelona. The best Brazilian players in history have played here: Ronaldo, Romário, Gaúcho, Rivaldo, now Raphinha, Belletti in our time. There has always been that connection. It's crazy that Brazil has that connection and maintains it. Brazil does deserve to see Barcelona. We have to move forward," he concluded.