Spain’s recent victory over Portugal in the World Cup Round of 16 has led to potential postponements of several opening-weekend matches in the upcoming 2026-27 La Liga season. The league is set to kick off on August 15-16, but an agreement states that clubs with players in the World Cup semifinals can delay their domestic campaign by a week. Postponed games are likely to be rescheduled between the second and third rounds of the season.
Real Madrid’s initial match against Real Sociedad has already been impacted due to players like Kylian Mbappé, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Brahim Diaz representing France and Morocco. With these players set to meet in the quarterfinals, at least one Real Madrid player is guaranteed to reach the semifinals.
Spain’s progress in the tournament has further complicated matters, as more La Liga clubs are expected to have players in the later stages of the World Cup. The football players’ union in Spain insists that players should have a minimum of three weeks’ vacation each summer. Given that the World Cup concludes on July 19, finalists may not have adequate recovery time before the start of the new domestic season if they are required to play on the opening weekend.
Other major European leagues have avoided similar issues by delaying the start of their seasons. For instance, the Premier League is scheduled to commence its 2026-27 campaign on August 22-23.
Meanwhile, Spain remains the only team yet to concede a goal in the FIFA World Cup 2026, with goalkeeper Unai Simon setting a record of 609 consecutive minutes without conceding. Aymeric Laporte has been crucial in possession, showcasing strong passing accuracy and aiding Spain in building attacks while maintaining defensive solidity.
In the match against Portugal, Laporte and Cubarsi effectively limited Ronaldo’s impact. The seasoned forward had minimal involvement, managing only 19 touches, three of which were in the penalty area, as Spain’s defenders contained the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Spain’s defensive strength is a collective effort, with Cubarsi’s athleticism and Laporte’s experience playing pivotal roles. As Ronaldo exits the World Cup, Laporte continues to shine, contributing significantly to Spain’s pursuit of the title.
