- Barcelona push for Miami league showdown
- RFEF decision could reshape Spanish football
- UEFA, FIFA sign-off still required
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is set to meet tomorrow to decide whether the ambitious plan goes forward. The proposal, to be tabled Monday, will request UEFA’s backing for the December 20 clash, which is currently part of Matchday 17 in the 2025/26 La Liga calendar. Should European football’s governing body give the green light, the matter would then move up to FIFA, which ultimately holds the authority to approve or reject domestic matches taking place abroad.
Under the current fixture list, Barcelona are due to face Villarrealat theEstadio de La Ceramicaon December 20. The reverse fixture at the Spotify Camp Nou is scheduled for March 1, 2026. But Barca’s latest push would see the first meeting swapped for a spectacle in Miami, home to Lionel Messi. That week is free from European competition, and while the Copa del Rey‘s Round of 32 is pencilled in for December 16-18, the schedule could be reshaped to give both teams the travel time they’d need to cross the Atlantic and prepare.
La Liga president Javier Tebas has made no secret of his desire to take Spanish football to an international audience. And by the looks of it, it might become reality in the 2025/26 campaign. There have been reports that FIFA have accepted that leagues may play one official match per season overseas, which will further aid Tebas’ endeavours.
UEFA must first give the thumbs-up, ensuring the match complies with European competition guidelines, before FIFA delivers the ultimate ruling on whether La Liga can break new ground. It’s a high-stakes process, but insiders suggest the international governing bodies may be more open than in previous years, especially with other leagues also exploring global expansion.
If Villarreal and Barcelona do run out in Miami, it could be the first ripple in a wave of similar ventures. Other major leagues, from Serie A to the Premier League, have flirted with the idea of taking competitive matches abroad, lured by new markets, sponsorship opportunities, and global fan engagement. For Barcelona, the commercial appeal is obvious. Florida boasts a huge Spanish-speaking population, a thriving football fan base, and a state-of-the-art stadium capable of hosting a truly elite spectacle.
