The Spanish Soccer Federation might be about to open a brand-new, and controversial, chapter in La Liga’s history. On the agenda is something that’s never been done before: taking a league match outside of Spain.
The proposal would have Villarreal face Barcelona in the 17th round on December 20, with the game played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, United States. If the plan goes ahead, it won’t just be about collecting three points in the standings. It would be a landmark moment that could redraw the boundaries of Spanish soccer, bringing both opportunities and challenges.
What’s at stake in this decision?
Not too long ago, a conversation like this would not have even been possible. FIFA’s rules used to be clear: no domestic league match could be taken to another country. The idea, pushed for years by La Liga president Javier Tebas, always hit that wall.
Things are different now. FIFA has removed the restriction, opening the door for national federations to make the move, as long as they get the green light from every confederation involved. For a potential Villarreal vs Barcelona in Miami, that would mean approval from UEFA, which oversees European soccer, CONCACAF, which governs North and Central America and the Caribbean, and then FIFA again at the end. The process is complicated, but far from impossible, especially considering how aggressively La Liga has been pursuing international growth in recent years.
There’s also a clear reason why Miami was chosen. The city has a huge Latin community, making it an ideal location to pull in both the existing soccer fan base and new audiences. For La Liga, the North American market has become one of the most competitive spaces in global sports. Miami is seen as the perfect entry point for sponsors, brands, and broadcasters looking to expand their reach across the continent.
The criticism and concerns
Still, there’s plenty of pushback. Many traditional fans feel this kind of move takes away from what the league represents. For them, a domestic league match being played far from its home ground goes against the very essence of national competition.
There are also practical worries. A long-haul trip in the middle of the season can be disruptive. Time zone changes, unfamiliar weather, and adapting to a different pitch could all affect performance. On top of that, local supporters would lose out on seeing their team in person for an important match — something critics argue is too high a price to pay for commercial gain.