Barcelona's 2022 US tour features stops in Florida and New Jersey

After being unable to travel to the United States due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Barcelona’s US tour starts anew this summer.

In mid- to late-July, the 26-time LaLiga champion makes its fifth trip to the U.S. in the last eight years. The American market is one of Barcelona’s targets for its international brand growth. With trips in 2011, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019, the Catalans are committed to the United States.

In those trips, Barcelona played against a number of famous opponents in front of massive crowds. In 2017, Barcelona played Real Madrid in the first El Clásico not on Spanish soil. Other matches included Napoli, Manchester United and Juventus.

This summer, Barcelona travels to the United States to play a pair of MLS teams. However, it is not necessarily the first time. On July 19, DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale hosts Barcelona’s battle against Inter Miami. David Beckham and Phil Neville have a history of facing Barcelona. Neville and Beckham were both part of the squads that saw a combined 12 goals over two group stage games between United and Barcelona in the 1998/99 Champions League.

FC Barcelona heading to United States this summer

	Barcelona’s U.S. Tour: See Blaugrana in person	Tickets on sale

Inter Miami only formed in 2018, making this the first game between the two. Eleven days later, Barcelona’s 2022 US tour rolls into New York. For the third time, Barcelona takes on New York Red Bulls. It has been a while. The two clubs faced off during Barcelona’s US tours in 2006 and 2008 at Metlife Stadium. Current Barcelona manager Xavi featured in both of those games, which Barcelona won 4-1 and 6-2.

Potential third fixture

Something to note about Barcelona’s announcement is that the club mentioned its number of games. During each of the previous visits stateside, Barcelona played three games. The club only announced two games in this tour.

So, that leaves the potential for a third game. Early reports are another El Clásico against Real Madrid. This time, if reports are true, the two Spanish giants are set to meet at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. This stadium hosted a number of soccer games last summer, particularly regarding the success of the United States Men’s National Team. This would be the second El Clásico in the United States, and just the third outside of Spain. The two sides met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for the Supercopa de España semifinals.

No date has been released yet. However, it would certainly be the biggest game for Barcelona’s 2022 US tour. Plus, it would likely be the biggest offseason game in the world of soccer throughout the summer.

Players to feature in Barcelona’s 2022 US tour

In the past, fans got to look forward to Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez. Granted, all those players are gone.

However, the club has a number of young and promising players that are on the track to being world-beaters.

Barcelona tour dates

Pedri, for example, is already an elite midfielder at the age of 19. His play in the midfield allowed Barcelona to battle back from early season struggles in the past campaign to finish second in the league.

Ansu Fati has the burden on his shoulders to be the next Lionel Messi. An injury-laden start to his young career caused Barcelona fans to wait a little longer for his breakthrough. However, when Fati does play, he shows how special his talent is.

Both of these players suffered injuries throughout 2021/22. Therefore Barcelona’s 2022 US tour is a good chance for game action ahead of the club’s return to the Champions League in the coming season.

These are the major names, but other talents could be poised for a strong 2022/23, which starts here in the United States with the preseason.

Special offer for World Soccer Talk visitors

	Get $20 off your purchase New customers, get $20 off your $200+ ticket order. Use promo code: SOCCERTALK20	Get discount

Gavi and Alejandro Balde are two more teenagers with first-team experience already.

Then, of course, there are the more established players that draw in the headlines. Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba are mainstays in the Barcelona starting XI, as they have for years. Then, there are the question marks. Frenkie De Jong, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ousmane Dembele all may not be at the Nou Camp next season. Neymar famously played his last game for Barcelona in the United States against Real Madrid. This is a real possibility for Barcelona’s potential departures.

PHOTO: Diego Souto/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images