FIFA fans will be checking their wallets and December schedules today after ESPN's Monday announcement that LaLiga giants FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF will play in Miami for the first Spanish league game outside of Spain. Playing a competitive match in the U.S. has long been a top priority for LaLiga, with league president Javier Tebas telling ESPN last year that he hoped to do so during the 2025-26 campaign.
"In its meeting on Aug. 11, 2025, the board of the RFEF (Royal Spanish Football Federation) has learnt of the request from clubs Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona to play their matchday 17 first division game in the United States," the RFEF said in the Monday statement.
"After receiving and reviewing the paperwork received, and after the approval of the board, the RFEF will pass on the request to UEFA to begin the procedures for FIFA's prior authorisation of the game at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, on December 20 2025, in accordance with FIFA's international game regulations and the applicable rules approved by the RFEF."
LaLiga first tried to stage a match in Miami in January 2019, pitting Barcelona against Girona FC, but backed down after facing opposition from the RFEF, UEFA, and FIFA.
Before Barca and Villarreal take the stage in Miami this December, the Dolphins will travel to Madrid in November to play the Washington Commanders as part of the NFL's 2025 International Games.
It's unclear how much it will cost to see the game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens because tickets to Barca vs Villarreal haven't gone on sale yet on most major ticket sites.
