The football calendar has reached unprecedented heights of congestion. With international tournaments interrupting the club season, breaks occurring every three weeks, and the addition of new tournaments, clubs are feeling the strain. The latest example of this overload is the revamped Club World Cup, set to take place next summer, with both Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid representing Spain.

The tournament introduces a significant shift to the summer schedule. It will feature a group stage of three matches followed by up to four single-match knockout rounds, running from June 14 to July 13.

It’s important to note that the final matchday of LaLiga 2024-25 is scheduled for May 25, followed by the Champions League final on May 31. From June 4 to 8, international fixtures, including the Nations League Final Four, will take place. The 2025-26 season will commence with the European Super Cup on August 13, and LaLiga will kick off just two days later, on August 15.

For both Madrid clubs, the summer is set to be particularly complicated, not only in terms of match obligations but also rest periods. According to Mundo Deportivo, the AFE (Spanish Football Association) has stipulated that players from both clubs must have at least 21 days of rest. With preseason training also factored in, this will likely impact their schedules for the new season.

The same source reports that the start of LaLiga 2025-26 for Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid could depend on their performance in the Club World Cup. Should either club reach the semifinals or final, they will likely have to postpone their opening LaLiga match. Even progression to the quarterfinals or round of 16 could cause significant scheduling disruptions.

For instance, if a team reaches the Club World Cup final on July 13, preseason training could only commence 21 days later, around August 4. With LaLiga starting just 10 days after that, both teams would have to fit in their preseason preparations post-summer break. Consequently, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid could be forced to postpone their opening fixtures of the 2025-26 season.

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