LaLiga Announces First-Ever Match Outside Spain, Barcelona All Set To Play In USA

Robert Lewandowski & Barcelona will play Villareal in Miami (Picture credit: AP)

The La Liga has announced that Barcelona is all set to play in the United States of America, which will be the league’s first-ever match outside Spain. Barca will take on Villareal in the latter’s home game in Miami on Saturday, December 20, marking a new chapter in the league’s history.

The move comes after UEFA gave its reluctant approval earlier this week, permitting LaLiga to execute a long-standing plan. The game will take place at Miami’s 65,000-capacity Hard Rock Stadium, home of the NFL’s Dolphins.

LaLiga president Javier Tebas called the game a landmark moment for Spanish football, while stressing that it represents just one match in the context of the full season.

“This match is a historic step that takes LaLiga and Spanish football to an all-new level. We understand and respect the concerns this decision may raise, but it is important to put it in context: this is one game out of the 380 that make up the season,” Tebas said.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta expressed the club’s excitement to connect with its international fanbase in the United States.

“We are looking forward to reconnecting with all our fans in the United States and are grateful to LaLiga for the opportunity to get closer to one of the club’s key strategic markets,” Laporta said.

Spain’s players’ association voiced concerns over moving a domestic league game abroad, highlighting potential effects on fairness and footballers’ rights. UEFA expressed reservations as well, stressing that league matches should remain on home soil to safeguard competition integrity and fans.

“We know that playing this game away from home will impact our season-ticket holders, which is why we are implementing meaningful, concrete measures to compensate them,” Villareal president Fernando Roig said.

The Miami game reflects LaLiga’s broader strategy to grow its global footprint, after models seen in the NFL and NBA. However, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin noted that hosting the match outside Spain risks alienating fans and undermining tradition.