The squad for Elche
The time has come. FC Barcelona are ready to begin the defence of their La Liga crown. The Estadio Martínez Valero is the venue as Hansi Flick’s side get their 2026/27 league campaign under way. Kick-off is at 9.30pm CEST this Sunday, with the blaugrana, who will be wearing their new second kit for the first time, looking to start with all three points against Elche.
Victory is the aim, as Flick made clear in his pre-match press conference, and the German coach has named a 23-man squad for the trip: Joan Garcia, Szczesny, Eder Aller, Cancelo, Cubarsí, Christensen, Gerard Martín, Kounde, Eric, A. Cortés, Pesquer, X. Espart, Gavi, Fermín, Pedri, Olmo, Bernal, Brian Fariñas, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Adeyemi, Gordon and H. Abdelkarim.
Barça know the importance of getting off to a strong start, and the trip to Elche promises to provide a stern first test. It will also offer an early indication of what this new-look Barça side can produce, as they set out with the ambition and desire to lift the La Liga trophy for what would be the third time in a row.