El Clásico 2026: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid Preview, Kickoff Time and How to Watch in the USA
A perfect Barcelona, a Mourinho-led Real Madrid six points back and the first Clásico ever on ABC.
Club soccer's biggest rivalry returns on Sunday. Barcelona host Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou in the 265th edition of El Clásico, and for American fans it is easier than ever to watch: the match airs on ABC, the first Clásico in the network's history.
Kickoff Time and How to Watch
| Date | Sunday, October 25, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT (9 p.m. in Spain) |
| Venue | Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona |
| TV (USA) | ABC |
| Competition | La Liga, Matchweek 10 |
The Table: Barcelona Perfect, Madrid Chasing
Barcelona arrive in record-setting form. Hansi Flick's side have won all nine of their La Liga games so far. Real Madrid sit third with 21 points, six behind their rivals. A Madrid win would blow the title race wide open; a Barça win would put the leaders firmly in control.
Barcelona's run has not been perfect everywhere, though. Their 11-game winning streak in all competitions ended against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League this week, where the European champions showed why they remain the team to beat.
Mourinho Is Back
The storyline that makes this Clásico special is on the visiting bench. José Mourinho returns to the rivalry 13 years after his first spell at Real Madrid, when his battles with Pep Guardiola's Barcelona turned the fixture into must-see chaos. He comes back with something to prove.
Rodri's First Clásico
Barcelona midfielder Rodri is preparing for his first Clásico and insists Barça will not be "fooled" by Madrid's form. His ability to control the tempo in midfield will be central to Flick's plan.
Key Battles
- Barcelona's attack vs. Madrid's back line. Flick's free-scoring team has been almost unstoppable in La Liga.
- Kylian Mbappé vs. Barcelona's high line. Madrid's superstar, a leading Ballon d'Or 2026 contender, thrives on space in behind.
- Lamine Yamal on the wing. Barça's teenage star, also in the Ballon d'Or conversation, can decide any game on his own.
- Mourinho's game plan. Expect a compact Madrid looking to strike on the counter.
Why It Matters
Beyond the three points, this Clásico lands one day before the Ballon d'Or ceremony, with several of the world's best players on the field. It is the perfect showcase for both clubs and for La Liga's American audience.
For more from the world's game, including Messi's and Ronaldo's latest milestones, follow our soccer coverage.
Related reading: PSG's win over Barcelona and Kvaratskhelia's injury.
Background from Wikipedia
El Clásico
El Clásico (in Spanish, also in lowercase letters; Spanish pronunciation: [el ˈklasiko]) or El Clàssic (in Catalan, pronounced [əl ˈklasik]), both meaning "The Classic", is the name given to any football match between rival clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid. Originally referring to competitions held in the Spanish championship, the term now includes every match between the clubs, such as those in the UEFA Champions League, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España. It is considered one of sport's fiercest rivalries, and its matches have a global audience of hundreds of millions. A fixture known for its intensity, it has featured memorable goal celebrations from both teams, often involving mockery from both sides.
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Frequently Asked Questions
When is El Clásico 2026?
Barcelona host Real Madrid on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Spotify Camp Nou. Kickoff is 9 p.m. in Spain, 4 p.m. ET.
What channel is El Clásico on in the USA?
The match airs on ABC, the first time El Clásico has been broadcast on the network.
Who is Real Madrid's coach?
José Mourinho is in charge of Real Madrid, 13 years after his first spell at the club.
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