So, you're looking for the answer to when is the next game of Barcelona because, honestly, missing a kickoff when Hansi Flick has the team playing like this is basically a crime for any football fan. The Blaugrana are currently in a fascinating spot in early 2026. After a few years of "transition" that felt more like a roller coaster, the identity of the club is finally feeling solid again.
FC Barcelona is scheduled to take on Getafe CF at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The match is set for Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 9:00 PM CET (local time in Spain). For fans watching from the United States, that lands at 3:00 PM ET or 12:00 PM PT. It’s a prime-time slot for the locals in Catalonia, and if you’ve ever been to Montjuïc on a cool January evening, you know the atmosphere is going to be electric, even if it’s not the Camp Nou.
The Tactical Chess Match Against Getafe
Getafe isn't exactly the "fun" opponent everyone hopes for on a Sunday night. They are gritty. They are defensive. José Bordalás has a reputation for making life miserable for creative teams like Barca. You’ve probably seen the stats—Getafe often leads the league in fouls and "effective playing time" (or lack thereof). It’s going to be a massive test for Barcelona's young midfield. Can Gavi and Pedri find the gaps, or will it be one of those nights where the ball is out of play every thirty seconds?
Hansi Flick has been pushing a much more direct style than we saw under Xavi. It's less about 800 sideways passes and more about verticality. Lamine Yamal is the focal point, obviously. At 18, he isn't just a prospect anymore; he’s the guy every defensive coordinator in La Liga stays up late worrying about. Expect him to be doubled-up on the right wing from the first whistle.
Breaking Down the Rest of the January Calendar
Knowing when is the next game of Barcelona is only half the battle because the schedule in January is notoriously congested in Spanish football. After the Getafe clash, the team doesn't get much of a breather.
Midweek fixtures are the norm this time of year due to the Copa del Rey rounds and the revamped Champions League format. Barcelona is currently juggling three different competitions. Following the Getafe match, they are slated for a crucial Champions League "League Phase" fixture against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, January 21. That’s a quick turnaround. Three days. That is all the recovery time the squad gets before flying to Germany.
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Rotation is going to be the buzzword in the press conferences this week. Flick has been relatively lucky with injuries lately, but with Frenkie de Jong still managing his minutes, the depth of the squad is under the microscope. We might see some of the "B" team players or younger La Masia graduates getting a nod in the second half if the Getafe game is put to bed early. Though, knowing Getafe, "putting the game to bed early" is a lot easier said than done.
Why the Champions League Match Matters More Than You Think
While everyone focuses on the domestic league title race against Real Madrid—who are currently breathing down Barca's neck—the game against Dortmund is massive for the club's finances. We don't talk about it enough, but every win in the Champions League is worth millions in UEFA prize money. For a club that has had its fair share of "financial levers" and salary cap headaches, those wins are literal lifelines.
If you’re planning your week around when is the next game of Barcelona, here is the quick rundown of the immediate horizon:
- Jan 18: vs Getafe (La Liga)
- Jan 21: @ Borussia Dortmund (Champions League)
- Jan 25: @ Villarreal (La Liga)
That trip to Villarreal on the 25th is a trap game. The "Yellow Submarine" plays a high line that usually suits Barcelona, but their counter-attack is lethal.
Viewing Options and Global Kickoff Times
Let’s get practical. If you aren't lucky enough to be sitting in the stands in Barcelona, you need to know where to turn the TV on. In the United States, ESPN+ remains the home for La Liga. They’ve got the English and Spanish broadcasts. For the Champions League game against Dortmund, you’re looking at Paramount+ or CBS Sports.
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In the UK, it's usually Viaplay Sports or ITV for select games, though the rights have been a bit of a moving target lately. Always check the local listings about 24 hours before, because La Liga is notorious for shifting kickoff times by an hour or two at the last minute for "heat concerns" or "broadcasting adjustments."
| Region | Broadcaster | Local Kickoff (Jan 18) |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | DAZN / Movistar+ | 21:00 |
| USA (East) | ESPN+ | 15:00 |
| USA (West) | ESPN+ | 12:00 |
| UK | Viaplay / LaLigaTV | 20:00 |
The "Lamine Yamal" Factor
You can't talk about the upcoming games without mentioning the kid. Lamine Yamal is basically the heartbeat of the team now. It’s wild to think he’s still a teenager. Against Getafe, his ability to win one-on-one duels is going to be the only way to break down a five-man backline. Getafe will try to kick him. They will try to frustrate him. It’s a rite of passage for every Barca superstar.
Actually, it’s worth watching how Robert Lewandowski interacts with him. The veteran striker has been rejuvenated under Flick, finding himself in the right place at the right time more often than not. He’s currently leading the Pichichi race, and most of his goals are coming from Yamal’s service. If those two are clicking on Sunday, Getafe won't stand a chance.
What to Expect from the Getafe Matchup
Honestly, expect a bit of a slog in the first thirty minutes. Barcelona typically dominates possession—usually around 70%—but Getafe is masters of the "low block." They sit deep, they stay compact, and they wait for a frustrated mistake.
Barcelona’s high defensive line is the risk. Under Flick, the defenders often sit near the halfway line. This is great for pressing, but one long ball over the top to a fast striker like Borja Mayoral could end in disaster. In the last three meetings between these two, the goal count has been surprisingly low. It’s rarely a blowout.
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The Injury Report and Squad Depth
The medical room at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper is finally thinning out. Ronald Araújo is back in training, though he probably won't start against Getafe. Flick is being cautious. He doesn't want a relapse. Alejandro Balde is expected to start at left-back, providing that much-needed width that allows the wingers to cut inside.
Pau Cubarsí is the other name to watch. The young center-back has been a revelation with his passing range. In games against defensive teams, a center-back who can ping a 40-yard ball onto a winger's toe is a cheat code. He’ll be starting next to Iñigo Martínez, providing a mix of youth and veteran savvy that has worked surprisingly well this season.
Actionable Advice for Fans
If you are planning to follow the team through this intense January period, here are a few things you should actually do:
- Sync your calendar: Use the official Barcelona app to sync the fixtures to your phone. They update automatically when La Liga changes the times (which happens more than it should).
- Watch the pressers: Hansi Flick’s pre-match press conferences are usually held on Saturdays around 1:00 PM CET. He’s very transparent about who is tired and who might be rotated.
- Monitor the Yellow Cards: Several key players are one booking away from a suspension. If Pedri picks up a yellow against Getafe, he misses the Villarreal game. This influences how aggressively they play.
- Check the Champions League Table: Since the "Swiss Model" format is still somewhat new to people, keep an eye on the live standings during the Dortmund game. Every goal difference point matters for avoiding the playoff round in February.
Barcelona is at a tipping point. The next few weeks will determine if they can actually keep pace with Real Madrid or if the thin squad depth will finally catch up to them. Sunday night is the first hurdle. Tune in at 9:00 PM CET to see if the Flick era continues its momentum.