LaLiga Moves Closer to U.S. Expansion with Proposed FC Barcelona Miami Clash.

Roger Hampel

Image:  FC Barcelona

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has approved an initial request from Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona to stage their Matchday 17 LaLiga fixture at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on December 20, 2025, marking a potential first for a Spanish top-flight league game to be played overseas.

The decision moves LaLiga closer to a long-term strategic objective: using international fixtures to expand the league’s global footprint, broadcast value, and sponsorship portfolio.

Regulatory Path and Stakeholder Involvement

Following RFEF board approval on August 11, 2025, the request will now be submitted to UEFA, with further steps required to secure FIFA’s authorisation under international match regulations. Sign-off will also be needed from the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF), CONCACAF, and FIFA.

The process mirrors similar internationalisation efforts in other leagues. In July, Italy’s football federation approved a Serie A plan to stage an AC Milan vs Como fixture in Australia in February 2026.

Compensation and Fan Management FC Barcelona Miami

Villarreal president Fernando Roig confirmed a fan compensation package for season ticket holders, including:

• Free travel and match ticket for those attending in Miami

• 20% discount on season tickets for those opting out

  
  

Such measures are designed to protect domestic fan relationships while managing the logistics of moving a home fixture abroad.

Commercial and Marketing Implications

Staging a competitive LaLiga match in the U.S. aligns with broader trends in sports market globalisation. Potential benefits include:

• Expanded broadcast rights value in North America

• Deeper penetration of the U.S. football fan base ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

• Increased commercial exposure for both clubs’ sponsors and merchandise in a high-spending consumer market

• Opportunities for match-week activations involving global partners, local communities, and tourism boards

  
  

This initiative builds on LaLiga’s Supercopa de España model, which has been successfully staged in Saudi Arabia since 2020.

Strategic Context and Precedent

LaLiga previously attempted to bring a competitive fixture to Miami in 2019 (Barcelona vs Girona) but faced resistance from the RFEF, UEFA, and FIFA. Under new leadership from RFEF President Rafael Louzan, the federation has shifted to support the concept, aligning with league president Javier Tebas’ stated aim of staging a U.S.-based league game during the 2025/26 season.

The move also reflects changes in FIFA’s stance. In 2024, the governing body formed a working group to assess the commercial and competitive impact of playing domestic fixtures abroad, following legal disputes between LaLiga’s U.S. partner Relevent Sports and FIFA/USSF. Those disputes were resolved in 2024, clearing a key barrier to such initiatives.