When do leagues start after the World Cup? Dates top domestic competitions resume

The 2022 FIFA World Cup concluded in dramatic fashion on Sunday when Lionel Messi and Argentina got their hands on the trophy after a penalty-shootout victory over France.

Now, supporters and players alike will turn their attention to the return of club football across the world.

For the first time, this tournament forced leagues from around the world to pause to accommodate the World Cup and the release of so many players.

This pause is set to cause major fixture headaches in the coming weeks and months as competitions look to make up for lost time. 

Some leagues are waiting longer than others to resume as well, so the resumption of top-flight club football will be staggered at the end of December and into January 2023.

MORE: When does the Premier League return after winter break?

When can leagues resume after World Cup? 

Although the World Cup window ran through December 18, leagues were able to resume prior if desired with no set rules against it. 

However, competitions like the Premier League, which had many players at the World Cup, had no other option but to wait until the tournament wraps up to ensure their competition isn't unfairly compromised. 

The majority of first-division European leagues are poised to resume just after the Christmas holiday on December 25, giving players some time to recover after the World Cup and enjoy the family festivities. 

A Brazil side full of #PL talent 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/2dMRdUViaK

— Premier League (@premierleague) December 5, 2022

MORE: Which leagues had the most players called up to World Cup?

When do leagues restart after the World Cup?

Among the top-flight leagues that stopped for the 2022 World Cup, Australia's A-League Men appears to be one of the first to return.

The A-League's 2022/23 season resumed on December 9 — nearly a full week before other competitions around the world — as Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United played out a 1-1 draw.

The Scottish Premiership got back underway on December 15, the same date as the Saudi Pro League.

For those desperate for some Premier League action, they'll have to wait until Boxing Day on December 26 for matches to resume.

Germany's Bundesliga is the last league to return with the first game back not scheduled until January 20.

A number of competitions like the Major League Soccer, J.League and K League are currently in between seasons and have not been impacted by the World Cup. 

MORE: Which clubs had the most players called up to the World Cup?