It’s official — La Liga is heading to the United States. The highly anticipated league fixture between Villarreal and Barcelona will be played at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, marking the first time an official La Liga match will take place on American soil.
After years of lobbying, delays, and failed attempts, La Liga president Javier Tebas has finally got his wish. Speaking to Marca, Tebas confirmed that all major approvals are now in place, clearing the way for the groundbreaking event.
“Except for a small formal issue, the process is already finished,” Tebas said. “We can say that on Saturday, December 20, an official La Liga match, Villarreal–Barcelona, will be played in Miami — a match with points at stake. Instead of being played at the Estadio de la Cerámica, it will be played at the Hard Rock Stadium.”
The idea of staging a Spanish league match abroad has been floated for years, but opposition from football’s governing bodies repeatedly derailed plans. Previous attempts in 2023 and 2024 were blocked, with both FIFA and UEFA hesitant to allow official domestic fixtures outside their home countries.
This time, however, UEFA reluctantly gave its approval earlier this week, paving the way for FIFA’s expected formal sign-off. Once that happens, the Villarreal–Barcelona clash will officially become a landmark moment for both Spanish football and global sports promotion.
The Hard Rock Stadium, home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and a venue that regularly hosts major soccer events such as the Copa América and El Clásico friendlies, will provide the stage for the historic encounter.
Tebas also revealed that La Liga plans to make the most of its time in the U.S., embarking on a month-long promotional tour leading up to the match.
“We’re going to go over four or five weeks before the sporting event,” Tebas added. “We’ll promote what La Liga does — from our inclusive leagues to club ambassadors — and visit several U.S. cities to make ourselves better known.”
For Tebas, it’s the culmination of a long-term vision to expand La Liga’s global footprint — and for fans in the U.S., it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see Barcelona in competitive action on home soil.
