LaLiga has confirmed plans for Barcelona’s December 20 league match against Villarreal to be played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, marking the first top-flight European fixture to be held outside the continent.
LaLiga president Javier Tebas said the arrangements are “practically finalized,” after UEFA cleared the proposal earlier this week. “This match is a historic step that takes LaLiga and Spanish football to an all-new level,” Tebas said, noting the move aims to bring Spanish football closer to its global fan base.
Villarreal president Fernando Roig said compensation measures have been arranged for season-ticket holders, while Barcelona president Joan Laporta welcomed the opportunity to connect with U.S. fans.
LaLiga has pursued staging a league game in the U.S. since 2017, with approval from Spain’s football federation only coming this year. U.S. Soccer and Concacaf will now review the request, though opposition remains among Spanish clubs and the players’ union.