Upcoming Spanish league clash between Villarreal and Barcelona could potentially take place in the United States
Historic La Liga Match to be Played in Miami
The Spanish League (La Liga) is set to make history as the Villarreal-FC Barcelona match, scheduled for December 20, 2025, will be the first La Liga match ever played outside Spain if it receives final approval from UEFA and FIFA. The game will take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, marking a significant milestone for the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and La Liga.
This groundbreaking decision comes after the RFEF approved a request from both Villarreal and FC Barcelona to play the match in Miami, USA. The move complies with the new RFEF regulations and the FIFA International Match Regulation. The RFEF will forward the request to UEFA to initiate the authorization process with FIFA.
The path to this historic match was not without challenges. Previously, La Liga attempted to hold official league matches in the U.S., with the proposed Girona-FC Barcelona game in Miami being one of the early proposals. However, the game did not materialize due to protests from some members of the federation and the Spanish Footballers' Association (AFE). The case regarding the proposed Girona-FC Barcelona game in Miami even went to court.
The change enabling the 2025 Miami match stems from legal shifts after a 2024 settlement between FIFA and an American promoter, which removed the ban on domestic league matches being played outside the federation's home territory.
The Hard Rock Stadium, where the Villarreal-FC Barcelona match will be played, has recently hosted several World Club games and is also on the list of stadiums for the 2026 World Cup. The stadium's reputation and facilities make it an ideal choice for this historic event.
It's important to note that the RFEF has not successfully hosted any Spanish League matches in the United States prior to the 2025/26 season. The proposed Girona-FC Barcelona game in Miami was not the first instance of a Spanish League game being considered for international play, but it was an example of a proposed international Spanish League game that faced opposition and legal challenges.
The Villarreal-FC Barcelona match in Miami, pending final FIFA approval, will be a historic first for the RFEF and La Liga in hosting an official Spanish league game on U.S. soil. Fans of both teams and football enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting this momentous occasion.
[1] La Liga announces Villarreal vs. FC Barcelona match in Miami. (2025). Retrieved from www.laliga.com
[2] RFEF approves request for La Liga match in Miami. (2025). Retrieved from www.rfeef.es
[3] La Liga's U.S. expansion: A look at the history and challenges. (2025). Retrieved from www.espn.com
[4] Miami set to host first-ever La Liga match. (2025). Retrieved from www.miamiherald.com
Read also:
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
- Commemoration of 200 Days of American Resurgence Unveiled
- Minister Bärbel Bas expresses doubts about her tenure as a minister following a recent interview during the summer.
- Politicians from both Republican and Democratic parties are urging President Trump to maintain the security agreement with Australia and the United Kingdom.
