LaLiga 2026-27 to start in two phases after World Cup delays | OneFootball

Five of the 10 opening-weekend LaLiga fixtures will be postponed because clubs have players involved in the World Cup’s final phase. According to as.com, teams chose a two-phase start rather than pushing the season back by one week.

LaLiga and its clubs unanimously agreed to kick off on the weekend of 15 August, postponing only the fixtures of sides with players still in the tournament. The plan gives those footballers at least three weeks of holiday and three weeks of pre-season with team-mates, while allowing a mid-August start to satisfy broadcasters. A mediator later backed the clubs’ stance, though players’ union AFE preferred delaying the entire start.

The postponements were pre-planned and are not expected to disrupt the 2026-27 calendar. Delays are likely to last only a few days, with the games to be staged midweek between matchday one and matchday two.

Matchday one pairings were set with this in mind: Real Madrid v Real Sociedad, Barcelona v Athletic and Celta v Osasuna. All six clubs have players with Spain, so a semi-final run would trigger delays. Atlético v Málaga will also be pushed back.

A fifth postponement depends on Argentina v Switzerland. If Argentina progress, Valencia v Betis will move because of the presence of Betis’ Lo Celso in the semi-finals. If Switzerland win, Sevilla v Rayo will shift, with Sevilla’s Sow and Vargas involved. Some clubs could even decline a postponement to secure more rest between matches.

Source: as.com