<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/"><strong>FC Barcelona</strong></a> are set to face <strong>Racing Santander</strong> in the Round of 16 of the 2025–26 <strong>Copa del Rey</strong> at El Sardinero in Santander. However, with both teams ready to take the field, an unexpected issue has forced a delay to the start of the match.</p>



<p>According to a statement from Barcelona’s official account, “<em><strong>Due to access problems, the RFEF has just confirmed that the match will start at 9:15 p.m.</strong></em>” As a result, kickoff has been delayed by 15 minutes from the originally scheduled time for the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/copa-del-rey/"><strong>Copa del Rey</strong></a> clash.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">❗ 𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘<br>Due to access problems, the RFEF just confirmed the match will start at 9:15 P.M.</p>— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/2011889511085834417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2026</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Barcelona faced a similar situation in the previous round against CD Guadalajara, when that match was also delayed beyond its original kickoff time. Once again, as the visiting side and reigning La Liga champions, the <em>Blaugrana</em> have drawn significant attention from the home crowd, <strong>with </strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/racing-santander/"><strong>Racing</strong></a><strong> fans hoping to back their team to an upset</strong>, similar to what unfolded on Tuesday between Real Madrid and Albacete.</p>



<p><strong>El Sardinero is also expecting a sellout crowd, with the stadium’s capacity of around 22,000 fans</strong> filled for the knockout-stage tie. That, combined with heavy rain falling across the Cantabrian city, has made access to the stadium more difficult.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/01/15152312/lamine-yamal-fc-barcelona-racing-santander-copa-del-rey-1920x1080.webp" alt="Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona warming up." class="wp-image-616137"></figure><figcaption>Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona warming up.</figcaption></figure>



<p>After last playing in La Liga during the 2011-12 season, <strong>Racing Santander have begun to build momentum toward a potential return to Spain’s top flight</strong>. Coached by <strong>José Alberto López</strong>, Racing have emerged as one of the surprises of the campaign, currently leading the Segunda División with 38 points from 21 matches, level with UD Las Palmas.</p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/why-isnt-raphinha-playing-today-for-barcelona-vs-racing-de-santander-in-2026-copa-del-rey/"></div>


<h2>Confirmed lineups for FC Barcelona and Racing Santander</h2>



<p><strong>FC Barcelona’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1)</strong>: Joan García; Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, Alejandro Balde; Marc Casadó, Marc Bernal; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Marcus Rashford; Ferran Torres.<br><strong>Head coach</strong>: Hansi Flick.</p>



<p><strong>Racing Santander’s confirmed lineup (4-3-3)</strong>: Jokin Ezkieta; Álvaro Mantilla, Javier Castro, Manu Hernando, Mario García; Suleiman Camara, Aritz Aldasoro, Maguette Gueye; Íñigo Sainz-Maza, Juan Carlos Arana, Giorgi Guliashvili.<br><strong>Head coach</strong>: Jose Alberto Lopez.</p>

Why was the game between Barcelona and Racing Santander for the Copa del Rey delayed?

Why was the game between Barcelona and Racing Santander for the Copa del Rey delayed? - World Soccer Talk

destacadas

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<strong>Here are all of the details of where you can watch Racing Santander vs Barcelona on US television and via legal streaming:</strong>
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<tbody>
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<td id="magenta" width="20%"><span style="color: #ffffff"><strong>WHO</strong></span></td>
<td width="70%">Racing Santander vs Barcelona</td>
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<td id="green"><span style="color: #ffffff"><strong>WHAT</strong></span></td>
<td>Copa del Rey</td>
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<td id="sky"><span style="color: #ffffff"><strong>WHEN</strong></span></td>
<td>3:00pm ET / 12:00pm PT • Thursday, January 165, 2026<br></td>
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<td id="red"><span style="color: #ffffff"><strong>WHERE</strong></span></td>
<td><em><a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">ESPN+</a></em></td>
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<td id="yellow"><span style="color: #e04403"><strong>STREAM</strong></span></td>
<td><strong><a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">WATCH NOW</a></strong></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<h2>Match Overview</h2>



<p><strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">Barcelona</a> </strong>roll into this <strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/copa-del-rey/">Copa del Rey</a></strong> matchup with confidence surging after a thrilling <strong>Spanish Super Cup</strong> triumph that showcased their attacking firepower and late-game composure, a run that has them setting the standard domestically as <strong>La Liga</strong>’s team to beat.</p>



<p>Standing in their path are <strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/racing-santander/">Racing Santander</a></strong>, the surprise pacesetter from Spain’s second tier, a side that has embraced the underdog role all season and now gets a rare shot at measuring themselves against one of Europe’s giants.</p>



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<h2>More details on how to watch</h2>
With <a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">ESPN+</a>, you can watch Racing Santander vs Barcelona and tons more soccer games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, Apple, Android, and Amazon Fire devices, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Oculus Go.
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If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/channels/espn-plus-soccer-schedule/">ESPN+ soccer schedule</a> to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
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<h2>How to watch anywhere with VPN</h2>

If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as <a href="https://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=15&amp;aff_id=93006&amp;url_id=902" target="blank" rel="noopener">NordVPN</a>, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/vpn-soccer/">guide to the best VPNs</a> for streaming soccer.


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<h2>Free resources for you</h2>

Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, <a href="https://page.worldsoccertalk.com/streaming-guide">download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide</a>, which features details on where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV and streaming.
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To find out when soccer games are on, download the free <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2020/12/26/soccer-tv-schedules-app-making-it-easier-to-watch-soccer-games-on-tv/">Soccer TV Schedules App</a> which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/soccer-tv-schedules/id1543713555" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apple iOS devices</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.worldsoccertalk.SoccerTV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Android devices</a>).
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How to watch Racing Santander vs Barcelona in the USA: Live Stream and TV for 2025/2026 Copa del Rey

How to watch Racing Santander vs Barcelona in the USA: Live Stream and TV for 2025/2026 Copa del Rey - World Soccer Talk

<p>In his never-ending campaign to end racism in sports, Vinicius remains front and center in Spain’s media.</p>



<p>The talented winger, widely recognized as one of the best players in the world, sobbed uncontrollably at a news conference just before his match against Spain. He cited the constant <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/vinicius-jr-moved-to-tears-discussing-racism-in-spain/">racial abuse he endures as the reason</a>.</p>



<p>The 23-year-old detailed the experiences of racism he has had in Spain, including seeing a monument near Real Madrid’s training field. The Brazilian also explained how it has affected his motivation to compete, expressing anguish over the abuse.</p>



<p>In addition to calling for improved protection, Vinicius stressed the importance of clearly defined penalties for racism. “It’s something quite sad, it’s something that happens here in every game, every day”, <a href="https:\/\/www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39807062/vinicius-tears-racism-just-want-play-football" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">he said</a>.</p>



<p>“Every legal complaint of mine makes me very sad. But like all the black people around the world. It’s something sad. This is something that is happening. Not only in Spain, but also around the world… It also happened to my father, they chose a white man over a black man. It’s something that I notice, and I fight because they have chosen me… I fight so that In the near future it won’t happen to anyone again.”</p>



<p>“I feel supported by my teammates and by the footballers, and I hope and wish that racism will decrease. The only thing left to do is work and continue on the path already started. The footballers send me messages of support. I have to improve on the field. I’m still just 23 years old and it’s a natural progression… You leave Brazil very young without having learned so many things.”</p>



<h2>Too much to handle in Spain?</h2>



<p>But has the constant stream of ugly incidents finally reached breaking point? Fan speculation has suggested that the winger could be considering a permanent departure from <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/">La Liga</a>.</p>



<p>Among the many proposals that have surfaced is the idea that Vinicius would discover far less racism in English soccer, <a href="https:\/\/www.thetimes.co.uk/article/vinicius-jr-would-find-much-less-racism-in-english-football-xk6cv8pf9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Times</a> thinks. Since the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> has taken steps to eliminate racist conduct, they believe the Brazil international may encounter less of it there.</p>



<p>Despite this, instances do occur. Racist remarks to Ivan Toney are only one example of the persistent problem; nonetheless, there has been great progress compared to Spain. </p>



<p>Racism is an issue in the Iberian country, but they are reluctant to admit it. Unfortunately, it has only hampered efforts to educate the public and remove the problem.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="432" height="319" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240331_WST_498485_image-23_cd11f739.webp&amp;width=432&amp;height=319" alt="" class="wp-image-498534" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/image-23.png 432w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/image-23-300x222.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 432px) 100vw, 432px"></figure><figcaption>Vinicius Jr talking about racism whilst playing for Real Madrid</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What did Carlo Ancelotti say about Vinicius?</h2>



<p>When Carlo Ancelotti’s team faces Athletic Club at home on Sunday, Vincius will not be there. Before the international break, he received his fifth yellow card in La Liga, which resulted in a one-game suspension.</p>



<p>The ex-Flamengo star’s emotional press conference was still a topic of inquiry for Ancelotti, however. Some have speculated that racism may be the last straw that causes Vinicius to quit the club, and Ancelotti was questioned about this.</p>



<p>“For Vinicius, it’s obvious that [battling against racism] is a very important issue. He takes it very seriously and that’s what we all have to do, take it very seriously”, he said, via <a href="https:\/\/www.sport.es/es/noticias/real-madrid/ancelotti-pronuncio-lagrimas-vinicius-espana-100435554" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diario Sport</a>.</p>



<p>“I don’t worry about Vinicius leaving. The thing that worries me a lot is that he can’t play tomorrow [Sunday]. That’s what worries me.”</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / NurPhoto</p>

Vinicius to quit Real Madrid over racism? Ancelotti breaks silence

In his never-ending campaign to end racism in sports, Vinicius Jr. remains front and center in Spain's media.

Vinicius to quit Real Madrid over racism? Ancelotti breaks silence - World Soccer Talk

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Why was the game between Barcelona and Racing Santander for the Copa del Rey delayed?

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How to watch Racing Santander vs Barcelona in the USA: Live Stream and TV for 2025/2026 Copa del Rey

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Vinicius to quit Real Madrid over racism? Ancelotti breaks silence