The La Liga season has been delayed for defending champions FC Barcelona and Real Madrid due to the 2026 World Cup semi-finals. Many players from both teams are still competing in the tournament, prompting the league to postpone their opening matches. FC Barcelona will now begin their season at Elche on August 23, with their original opener at home against Athletic Bilbao also delayed until August 27. Real Madrid, on the other hand, were supposed to begin their La Liga campaign on August 22 against Real Sociedad, but the match is now postponed to August 26.

The delay in the start of the season may impact the teams’ preparation for the upcoming season. However, it will also give them some extra time to fine-tune their tactics and strategies. The Spanish top flight season begins with Alaves hosting Getafe and Rayo Vallecano visiting Sevilla on Saturday August 15. Atletico Madrid, who also have players still at the tournament, will still kick off against Malaga on Wednesday August 19.

Jose Mourinho’s first LaLiga game in charge of Real Madrid in his second spell at the club will be away at Espanyol on August 22. The league made the decision to change the schedule because several players from both sides are involved in the World Cup semi-finals. The 2026-2027 La Liga season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with several teams looking to challenge FC Barcelona and Real Madrid for the title. The fans will be eagerly waiting for the start of the season, and they will be hoping that their teams can make a strong start to the campaign.

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