La Liga 2026/27 kicks off on 15 August with 20 teams — four of them newly promoted — battling over 380 fixtures across 38 jornadas. As always, the season is bookended by the El Clásico double-header between Real Madrid and Barcelona, but with new clubs, fresh signings and the residual energy of the 2026 World Cup final months behind us, this could be the most competitive season in years.
Title race: Real Madrid vs Barcelona — and Atlético lurking
Real Madrid remain the benchmark. Their squad depth is unmatched, their Champions League and La Liga winning formula is proven, and Vinicius Júnior is arguably the best player in the world right now. After World Cup fatigue settles, they should hit their stride by October. Barcelona are the true challengers. Lamine Yamal enters his first full season as an undisputed starter and he could be the catalyst for something special. Pedri, when fit, gives them midfield control few teams in Europe can match. If they solve their defensive vulnerabilities and Lewandowski maintains his output, they win more El Clásicos than they lose. Atlético Madrid, under Diego Simeone, are never to be underestimated. If their summer business is right, they will be in the title race until April. Their defensive structure remains among the best in Europe and they can grind results from any position.
The contenders below the top three
Athletic Club have been one of La Liga's most exciting stories recently. The Williams brothers — Nico and Iñaki — give them genuine attacking firepower, and their Basque-only policy has never looked less like a constraint. Real Sociedad's technical excellence and European experience makes them perpetual top-six candidates. Real Betis under Pellegrini play attractive football and can beat anyone on their day at Estadio La Cartuja.
Promoted teams: who will survive?
Four clubs enter La Liga for 2026/27 after climbing from Segunda División. Levante and Racing Santander are the most established of the newcomers — both have top-flight experience. Deportivo (back after years away) and Málaga return with emotional storylines and passionate fanbases. Survival for all four is the priority; anything else is a bonus. History suggests at least two will go straight back down. Osasuna, Valencia and Getafe — perennial relegation battle survivors — will be fighting hard to stay clear.
Players to watch in La Liga 2026/27
- Vinicius Júnior (Real Madrid) — coming off a World Cup summer, motivated to be the best on the planet.
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) — his first full season as the main man; the world is watching.
- Pedri (Barcelona) — when fit, the most naturally gifted midfielder in the division.
- Nico Williams (Athletic Club) — the breakout star who lights up San Mamés.
- Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad) — quietly the most complete forward outside the top three clubs.
- Chimy Ávila (Osasuna) — relentless energy and goals from a side that punches above its weight.
- Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo) — one last brilliant season from the Galician legend.
Fantasy La Liga 2026/27: who to pick
For La Liga fantasy players — whether on FootballDream's Fantasy XI or any other platform — the most reliable early-season picks are: Vinicius Jr (high floor, very high ceiling, presses high meaning frequent goal involvement), Pedri (central to all Barcelona attacks), and Lamine Yamal (direct, scores and assists). At budget level, Nico Williams offers excellent value given Athletic's fixture schedule. Among defenders, Real Madrid and Barcelona right-backs who push forward are underrated picks for assists.
Season prediction
Our prediction: Real Madrid win La Liga 2026/27 for the second consecutive season, edging Barcelona on goal difference in a race that goes to the final three jornadas. Atlético Madrid finish third. Athletic Club are the surprise package in fourth, qualifying for the Champions League qualifying rounds. Deportivo and Málaga are relegated, along with one of Valencia or Getafe.