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League: LaLigaSport: SoccerCountry: SpainCategory: Scores & Results

Barcelona and Real Madrid opening matches delayed due to World Cup semifinals

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 14, 2026, 12:11 PM

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

Barcelona and Real Madrid opening matches delayed due to World Cup semifinals
Summary

La Liga has postponed the opening matches of Barcelona and Real Madrid for the upcoming season in light of the FIFA World Cup semifinals. Spain faces France on July 14, and England takes on Argentina on July 15. Key players from both clubs, including Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, are participating in these matches. Barcelona will now begin their season on August 23 against Elche, with their match against Athletic Bilbao pushed to August 27. Real Madrid's opening game against Real Sociedad is now rescheduled for August 26, with their first fixture under manager Jose Mourinho on August 22 against Espanyol.

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Yahoo Sports
By the Numbers
  • •La Liga pushes back the start dates for Barcelona and Real Madrid.
  • •Barcelona's opening match re-scheduled to August 23 against Elche.
  • •Real Madrid's first game moved to August 26 against Real Sociedad.
  • •Key players are participating in World Cup semifinals this week.
Latest Updates
  • 12:11 PMYahoo Sports — World Cup semifinals delay Barcelona’s, Real Madrid’s La Liga starts
What they're saying
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From Lamine Yamal to Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, many Barca and Madrid stars feature in the World Cup semifinals.

Related Teams & Leagues
BarcelonaReal MadridAtletico MadridLaLigaSoccer

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