Saturday, August 22, 2026

U.K. Sports Leagues Postpone Matches After Queen’s Death

  • All of the nation’s soccer leagues have postponed their matches through the weekend.
  • Cricket and rugby matches will be played after postponements Friday, however.
Premier League

Sports in the U.K. have come to a halt following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Virtually every sporting association across the country has made the decision to postpone at least their Friday schedules as a sign of respect for the monarch’s passing.

All of the nation’s soccer leagues have postponed their matches through the weekend.

“Her Majesty the Queen was a longstanding Patron of The Football Association and has left a lasting and indelible legacy on our national game,” the FA wrote in a statement.

The governing bodies of Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish soccer expressed similar sentiments.

Because it fell under Matchday 7 like the rest of the postponed matches, Monday’s Premier League fixture between Leeds United and Nottingham Forest was also postponed.

The Show Goes On

Not all sports will be taking the whole weekend off, however.

  • The third test of the cricket match between England and South Africa will not be played Friday, but will resume Saturday.
  • Premiership Rugby delayed the start of its season by postponing matches, but will play Saturday.

“The overwhelming opinions shared so far within the game are that teams and supporters want to come together to honour [sic] Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, to be united in our grief as we express sorrow at her passing,” England’s Rugby Football Union wrote in a statement.

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