Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico delay La Liga start over World Cup
Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will miss the opening weekend of the 2026-27 La Liga season to grant players an extended post-World Cup break.
The new Spanish top-flight campaign commences on Saturday without its three most successful clubs.
A recent agreement between the Spanish Players’ Union (AFE) and La Liga allows teams with representatives in the World Cup semi-finals to postpone their opening fixtures.
Seven clubs in total are affected by the delayed start across the division.
Fixture reshuffle for Spanish giants
Defending champions Barcelona were initially scheduled to host Athletic Club, while Real Madrid were set to face Real Sociedad.
Instead, the Catalan giants will begin their title defence away at Elche on 23 August.
Los Blancos will travel to Espanyol a day earlier to officially kick off their domestic campaign.
Both heavyweights will then fulfil their postponed Matchday 1 obligations the following midweek.
Atletico and Celta Vigo alterations
Diego Simeone’s squad face a much shorter wait to get their season under way.
The Rojiblancos host Malaga at the Metropolitano Stadium on Wednesday, resulting in minimal disruption to their calendar.
Celta Vigo will also see their opening match against Osasuna delayed, though for an entirely different reason.
A severe fungus outbreak on their stadium pitch forced the postponement, rather than player fatigue.
Extended pre-season preparations
The extra time affords these European powerhouses a final opportunity to refine their squads before competitive action begins.
The reigning European champions will travel to Germany to play Schalke in a friendly on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Blaugrana have two remaining exhibition matches left on their schedule.
They will visit Swiss side Basel before hosting Egyptian club Al Ahly for the traditional Gamper Trophy.