LALIGA confirms official match in Miami between Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona

LALIGA has announced that the Matchday 17 fixture of LALIGA EA SPORTS featuring Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona, will be played on December 20, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida (USA).

“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. LALIGA represents millions of fans around the world, including many who follow their teams passionately and deserve the chance to experience seeing them live at least once. This match is about bringing our football closer to that global fanbase without diminishing our commitment to those who enjoy it week in, week out in stadiums across Spain,” said Javier Tebas, president of LALIGA.

“This is a unique opportunity for Villarreal CF to further its growth and strengthen its presence in a market as significant as the United States. With this initiative we can reach fans in other parts of the world and continue to expand both the club’s and LALIGA’s brand. We know that playing this game away from home will impact on our season-ticket holders, which is why we are implementing meaningful, concrete measures to compensate them. We are confident it will be a great experience,” said Villarreal CF president Fernando Roig.

“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. We have been visiting the country for many years and have always felt the passion that FC Barcelona inspires. As a global club with millions of supporters around the world, this opportunity strengthens our commitment to our international fan base — especially in a key market like the U.S. An official match in a city like Miami, with such a strong Barça community, will undoubtedly be a great spectacle featuring two teams competing at the highest level,” said FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta.

This decision is the result of years of dialogue and coordination among all stakeholders and is the result of a direct request from the participating clubs, supported by LALIGA. Its goal is to drive international growth, expand the global fanbase, and reinforce LALIGA’s position as one of the world’s leading competitions, all while preserving the integrity of the competition. It will also give LALIGA’s millions of U.S.-based fans the chance to experience an official match in person, while keeping the competition’s roots firmly in Spain.

This milestone further strengthens the image of Spanish football as a global pioneer and benchmark. It also recognizes the growing popularity in football in the United States, coming at a pivotal moment ahead of the 2026 World Cup, hosted jointly by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

LALIGA reaffirms its commitment to fans in Spain. The match will be broadcast live via official broadcasters, accompanied by additional content to enhance the viewing experience.

Compensation measures have also been put in place for the home club’s season-ticket holders. Villarreal CF fans will be able to travel to the match in Miami free of charge. Those who choose not to attend will receive a 30% discount on their season ticket, a gesture of appreciation for their continued support and loyalty. In the lead-up to the event, a series of fan-focused experiences will take place across the United States, allowing supporters to connect with the wider LALIGA ecosystem and enjoy the excitement beyond the match itself.

This match represents a milestone in LALIGA North America’s long-term strategy, which has steadily expanded the footprint of Spanish football across the continent. Through grassroots programs, youth academies, sponsor activations, and a strategic partnership with ESPN, LALIGA has deepened its connection with North American fans, transforming long-term vision into concrete progress and setting the stage for future growth.

Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, a standout venue for major sporting and cultural events with a capacity of over 65,000 spectators, will host this historic match. Fans can register now at LALIGAMIAMI.COM to access the pre-sale for tickets, which begins on October 21. Tickets will go on general sale on October 22.