Barcelona Clash with FC Seoul: Team Lineups, Bold Predictions and Match Preview
Barcelona's preparation for the 2025–26 campaign continues as they face K League 1 side FC Seoul this Thursday.
Hansi Flick's squad kicked off their Asian preseason tour on a high note. The Catalan giants secured a 3–1 victory over Japan's Vissel Kobe last Sunday and aim to maintain their positive trajectory from that display.
The Spanish champions boast a formidable roster with no additional signings anticipated this summer. Nevertheless, exhibition matches such as this provide Flick valuable insight into his preferred squad composition for 2025–26, as Barcelona continues efforts to move players during the remaining transfer period.
FC Seoul has experienced a mixed campaign. Across 24 K-League 1 fixtures, they've secured nine victories, nine draws, and six defeats. However, they've claimed three wins in their past four league encounters and will be determined to deliver an impressive performance against one of football's elite clubs.
Here's Sports Illustrated's preview of Barcelona's second pre-season encounter.
What Time Does FC Seoul vs. Barcelona Kick-Off?
FC Seoul vs. Barcelona Head-to-Head Record
This marks the inaugural meeting between FC Seoul and Barcelona.
Current Form (All Competitions)
FC Seoul | Barcelona |
|---|---|
FC Seoul 4–1 Pohang Steelers - 6/29/25 | Vissel Kobe 1–3 Barcelona - 7/27/25 |
FC Seoul 0–1 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC - 7/2/25 | Athletic Club 0–3 Barcelona - 5/25/25 |
FC Seoul 1–0 Ulsan HD - 7/20/25 | Barcelona 2–3 Villarreal - 5/18/25 |
Jeju SK 3–2 FC Seoul - 7/23/25 | Espanyol 0–2 Barcelona - 5/15/25 |
Daejeon Hana Citizen 0–1 FC Seoul - 7/27/25 | Barcelona 4–3 Real Madrid - 5/11/25 |
How To Watch FC Seoul vs. Barcelona on TV
Country | Channel |
|---|---|
United States and Rest of World (Except South Korea) | Barcelona YouTube Channel |
FC Seoul Team News
FC Seoul currently occupy fourth position in K League 1 following an inconsistent campaign thus far. Despite this, they've been gaining momentum recently and trail second place by merely two points.
Ex-Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard serves as Seoul's key player. Across 24 appearances this season, the former England international has netted seven goals and provided three assists, including the decisive strike in their latest outing.
The Brazilian partnership of Anderson Oliveira and Lucas Rodrigues are also notable threats. They operate as Seoul's first-choice wingers and have combined for 16 goal contributions this campaign.
FC Seoul Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona
FC Seoul Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona (4-4-2): Kang; Park, Al-Arab, Kim, Kim; Jung, Hwang, Oliveira, Rodrigues; Lingard, Klimala
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona launched their preseason campaign positively and Flick will seek to continue evaluating his squad by implementing significant lineup changes.
Dani Olmo, Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, Jules Koundé and Ronald Araújo could all receive starting opportunities after featuring as substitutes against Vissel Kobe.
It's also probable that prospects Roony Bardghji, Dro and Jofre Torrents will feature in the latter stages, seeking to impress Flick enough to retain their places with the first team when the season commences.
Marcus Rashford should also receive extended playing time as he gradually builds match fitness having joined Barcelona under two weeks ago. While it may be premature for him to start, he should earn additional minutes in this fixture.
Eric García was absent from training prior to the match due to a minor muscular issue, so Flick may choose to exercise caution and rest the former Manchester City defender.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. FC Seoul
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. FC Seoul (4-2-3-1): García; Koundé, Araújo, Martínez, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
FC Seoul vs. Barcelona Score Prediction
The quality differential between these teams is substantial and will be clearly visible on Thursday's pitch.
Certainly, Flick will utilize pre-season fixtures to test new approaches and Barcelona players are still shaking off rustiness after nearly two months of rest, but they should still secure a commanding win.
Lamine Yamal will find the net for the first time wearing the No.10 jersey and Rashford will register his inaugural Barcelona goal with a second-half effort.
Prediction: FC Seoul 1–4 Barcelona