| Match Summary | |
| Match | Elche vs Barcelona |
| Tournament | LaLiga |
| Date | Sunday, August 23, 2026 |
| Time | 3:30 PM ET / 12:30 PM ET |
| TV Channels | ABC, ESPN Deportes |
| Live Stream | Fubo, ESPN+, ESPN App |
How to watch Elche vs Barcelona in the USA
Elche vs Barcelona can be watched in the USA on ABC and ESPN Deportes. The game is also available to stream through Fubo, ESPN+ and the ESPN App, giving viewers multiple ways to follow Barcelona’s league debut.
Can I watch Elche vs Barcelona for free?
Yes! Eligible viewers can watch Elche vs Barcelona for free through Fubo‘s 5-day free trial. The platform’s official listing for the match currently shows a “Try for free – cancel anytime” option alongside the ESPN Deportes broadcast.
Match Preview: What’s at stake?
Barcelona begin their 2026-27 LaLiga title defense against Elche at the Martinez Valero, with Hansi Flick‘s side looking to make an immediate statement after winning the championship last season.
The Catalan club finished first in 2025-26 and are targeting a third consecutive league title, while Elche are entering a new campaign focused on establishing themselves in the top flight under Martin Anselmi.
Raphinha of Barcelona during the Joan Gamper Trophy match (Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
For Elche, this is a major early test and an opportunity to make the most of their first home game of the season. The Martinez Valero is expected to be packed with more than 30,000 spectators, creating a demanding atmosphere for the reigning champions.
Elche opened the campaign with a 1-1 draw against Deportivo La Coruna, so a positive result against Barcelona would provide a significant boost to Anselmi’s project. Barcelona, meanwhile, enter their first official LaLiga match after an active summer transfer window.
The champions added Rodri, Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi and Joao Cancelo, among others, as Flick looks to strengthen a squad that will be competing on multiple fronts. Several new arrivals could make their competitive debuts, although Rodri and Cancelo are not expected to be available yet. Frenkie de Jong isn’t playing against Elche today due to injury.
Elche vs Barcelona: Predicted Lineups
Elche (5-4-1): Matias Dituro; Lucas Cepeda, Victor Chust, Federico Redondo, Marco Affengruber, Buba Sangare; Marc Aguado, Gonzalo Villar, Gerard Gumbau, Ali Houary; Dani Escriche.
Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; Alejandro Balde, Gerard Martin, Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde; Marc Bernal, Xavi Espart; Raphinha, Fermin Lopez, Lamine Yamal; Hamza Abdelkarim.
What time is the Elche vs Barcelona match?
Elche vs Barcelona kicks off on Sunday, August 23, at 3:30 PM ET. The match is scheduled for 9:30 PM local time in Spain at the Estadio Martinez Valero. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:
- Eastern Time: 3:30 PM
- Central Time: 2:30 PM
- Mountain Time: 1:30 PM
- Pacific Time: 12:30 PM
