Real Madrid and Barcelona will not play their opening LaLiga fixtures when the 2026/27 season gets underway on August 15, with both clubs receiving a schedule adjustment following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The two Spanish giants were originally scheduled to begin their campaigns against Real Sociedad and Athletic Club respectively. However, both fixtures have been postponed until later in August.
The decision is not related to a suspension or disciplinary sanction. Instead, it is part of a special measure introduced to give players who featured deep into the World Cup additional time to recover before returning to domestic competition.
Why were the fixtures postponed?
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) approved a measure allowing clubs with a significant number of players involved in the World Cup semi-finals or final to postpone their opening LaLiga fixture until August 25, 26 or 27.
