Why did the 2026–27 Premier League season begin one week later than usual?

The 2026–27 Premier League season began one week later than usual because of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The World Cup was expanded to 48 teams and its final took place on 19 July 2026. The Premier League consequently began on 21 August, allowing 33 days between the World Cup final and the opening league fixture.

The delayed start was intended to give players sufficient rest after the international tournament. It also meant that the opening weekend ran from Friday 21 August through Monday 24 August rather than following a more conventional calendar pattern.

The 2026 World Cup was hosted across Canada, Mexico and the United States. Its enlarged format affected the domestic calendars of several major European leagues, including England’s top flight.