Barcelona will look to begin their preseason on a high note when they travel to J-League giants Vissel Kobe on Sunday.
It was a phenomenal season for Hansi Flick’s side last time out, with Barcelona winning the Copa del Rey and La Liga. They were close to winning the treble once again, but were knocked out of the Champions League after a thrilling yet bitter semifinal defeat to Inter Milan.
On the other hand, Vissel Kobe come into this game as the current J-League table toppers, with 46 points on the board after 24 games. They have also won their last four games across all competitions, which will give them much confidence coming into this friendly.
This game was nearly cancelled due to Barcelona accusing the promoter of a serious contract breach; however, the issue at hand was resolved for the match to take place.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Where to watch Vissel Kobe vs. Barcelona: Live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this preseason friendly match in the U.S.:
TV channel: None
Live stream: DAZN
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in English Language in the United States. Streaming options are available on DAZN.
Vissel Kobe vs. Barcelona start time
- Date: Sunday, July 27, 2025
- Time: 6:00 a.m. ET | 3:00 a.m. PT
Vissel Kobe vs. Barcelona will kick off at 7:00 p.m. local time (JST) on Thursday, July 27, from the NOEVIR Stadium Kobe in Kobe, Japan.
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
DateKickoff timeEastern TimeSun, Jul. 276:00 a.m.Central TimeSun, Jul. 275:00 a.m.Mountain TimeSun, Jul. 274:00 a.m.Pacific TimeSun, Jul. 273:00 a.m.
Vissel Kobe vs. Barcelona predicted lineups, team news
Although this friendly takes place mid-season for Vissel Kobe, they are likely to come out guns blazing with a full-strength squad.
Taisei Miyashiro has been prolific for them this season with 13 goals across all competitions and should once again lead their attack.
Vissel Kobe predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Maekawa (GK) — Sakai, Yamakawa, Thuler, Nagato — Ideguchi, Ogihara, Miyashiro — Erik, Sasaki, Hirose.
Injured: None.
Suspended: None.
New boys Marcus Rashford, Joan Garcia, and Rony Bardghji are in line to make their debut for Barcelona, with a chance that they find a spot in the starting lineup.
The Catalans are likely to field a strong squad with Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal slated to form the attacking trio once again.
Barcelona predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): J Garcia (GK) — Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde — De Jong, Pedri — Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha — Lewandowski.
Injured: Ter Stegen.
Suspended: None.
Barcelona preseason friendly schedule
All times ET
Sunday, July 27
- Vissel Kobe vs. Barcelona (6:00 a.m.)
Thursday, July 31
- Seoul vs. Barcelona (7:00 a.m.)
Monday, August 4
- Daegu vs. Barcelona (7:00 a.m.)
Sunday, August 10
- Barcelona vs. Como (2:00 p.m.)
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