Five Matches Postponed in La Liga Opening Due to World Cup

The start of La Liga's season will be exceptional, with five out of ten matches in the opening round postponed due to several players from the involved clubs reaching the final stages of the 2026 World Cup.

According to AS, this scenario has been anticipated for months, as the league and clubs unanimously agreed to start the season on the weekend of August 15, postponing matches for teams with players in the World Cup semifinals.

The decision aims to provide players with a minimum three-week rest period after the tournament, followed by another three weeks of preparation with their teams, addressing physical rest requirements without delaying the entire season's start.

In contrast, the Spanish Players' Union (AFE) preferred to delay the entire league start by a week, but an independent mediator supported the clubs and league's position.

The Spanish league confirmed that the postponements "do not pose any problem for the competition's progress or the season's schedule," noting that the postponed matches will likely take place within just a few days, specifically between the first and second rounds.

According to the newspaper, the matches likely to be postponed include Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad, Barcelona vs. Athletic Bilbao, Celta Vigo vs. Osasuna, and Atlético Madrid vs. Málaga.

As for the fifth match, it will be determined based on the outcome of the Argentina vs. Switzerland quarterfinal. If Argentina advances, the Valencia vs. Real Betis match will be postponed due to Giovani Lo Celso's presence with the Argentine national team. If Switzerland advances, the Sevilla vs. Rayo Vallecano match will be postponed due to the participation of Djibril Sow and Rubén Vargas with the Swiss national team.