Athletic-Barca postponed due to the 2026 World Cup

The opening-day match between the Barča and the Athletic, scheduled for the 15 and 16 August weekend at the Camp Nou, will not be played on the date initially set. France's qualification for the semi-finals, after eliminating Morocco, ensures Jules Koundé remains in the tournament and activates the extraordinary measure approved by LaLiga.

The regulations provide for the postponement of the league debuts of clubs that have players in the penultimate round of the World Cup. The aim is to guarantee a minimum window for rest and preparation before the start of the domestic competition.

Hansi Flick's side, therefore, will begin the season one week later if there are no further changes. Their first league match would move to matchday two, set for the 22-23 August, with a trip to the Martínez Valero to face Elche.

The Blaugrana case is not the only one. Real Madrid will also see its debut postponed due to the presence of players in the decisive stage of the World Cup.

More World Cup internationals still in play

For now, Koundé is the only Barcelona player with a guaranteed spot among the top four, although the list could expand. Spain, with Joan García, Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, Gavi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, will be playing this Friday for a place against Belgium at the SoFi Stadium in Los Ángeles.

The Athletic Club is also keeping a close eye on the tournament. Unai Simón, Aymeric Laporte and Nico Williams still have options to reach the semi-finals, while England, the team in which the Blaugrana Anthony Gordon plays, remains in the competition.

LaLiga has not yet announced when the postponed Athletic-Barça match will be played. The most likely option at this time is to schedule the game between matchday two and matchday three, as long as the calendar allows.