An update has been shared on when the reopened Spotify Camp Nou will be at full capacity ahead of Barcelona's imminent return.
The Catalan giants will head back into La Liga action in their home stadium in late November but as reported by Mundo Deportivo, work on the Camp Nou remains ongoing.
Currently ready to host crowds of around 50,000, the iconic arena's full re-opening now has a clearer timeline as it nears its completion.
Final phase set for 2026 completion
As covered by Mundo Deportivo, Joan Sentelles, Barcelona's Director of Operations, revealed on Spanish radio that approval for phase 1C of the redevelopment and reopening will be sought by the end of 2026.
With the Culers' final home game of 2025 taking place on December 13 against Osasuna, the first match which could be played in front of a full capacity is set to be in January.
Should Barca reach the Copa del Rey round of 16 and be given a home draw, the 2026 home opener would fall on January 14, otherwise the wait will continue until their January 25, 2026 contest with Real Oviedo.
The month-long wait between home matches comes as a result of the Christmas break and the Catalan giants' trip to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup in early January.
Plans behind further Spotify Camp Nou expansion
Barcelona have advised that the new addition to their home is not just a plan to increase capacity, but also focussing on opening the ground to a new and younger generation of supporters who have often been unable to secure regular match tickets.
Indeed, a central part of Phase 1C is a singing section, aiming to improve the home atmosphere throughout the Camp Nou, with the completion of that phase set to take the capacity beyond 62,000.
Elena Fort, Vice President of Institutional Affairs, went on to confirm that the 83,000 Camp Nou season ticket holders from prior to the renovation will only return in full once the final 105,000 capacity is ready.
Camp Nou return timeline so far
After vacating the Spotify Camp Nou for the renovation and redevelopment in May 2023, Barcelona's return has been a long-running issue, having since played at several temporary homes after setting their sights on hosting matches from the beginning of the 2025-26 season.
After construction and compliance concerns and construction worker protests delayed the return further into the new campaign, forcing the Culers to continue at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, they were able to welcome fans for the first time in an open training session in early November, with over 21,000 supporters in attendance, alongside a private visit from legend and all-time top scorer Lionel Messi.
The next and biggest phase thus far of the return is set for November 2025, as Hansi Flick's side will take to the Camp Nou field for the first time in La Liga since 2023 at home to Athletic Bilbao with a current and temporary capacity of around 50,000.
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The Camp Nou's reopening has been far from a smooth process, delayed at almost every point due to construction and compliance issues.
The club hierarchy's proposals for Phase 1C should only improve the home atmosphere when able to open in early 2026, though, while a November return for a smaller group of 50,000 fans will, at least, give a welcome boost with clear light at the end of the tunnel.