Barcelona’s upcoming league fixture against Atletico Madrid in December might make history as the first-ever La Liga match held in the United States, with Miami being the proposed location. La Liga officials are optimistic about receiving approval from FIFA, which will have the final say on whether the match can proceed in the U.S.
La Liga’s Expansion Plans
La Liga president Javier Tebas has long expressed his ambition to take Spanish football to international markets. In 2019, a similar attempt was made to host a Barcelona vs Girona match in Miami, but it was blocked due to opposition from Spain’s football association and players’ union. However, the league continues to push for matches abroad, and officials hope that this time, the proposal will be successful.
FIFA’s Role and Decision
FIFA, the world governing body of football, will make the final decision regarding the match. The game is currently scheduled for December 22, just before La Liga’s winter break. FIFA has previously shown interest in exploring the potential impacts of domestic league matches being played overseas and set up a working group to investigate.
Other Developments
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are also set to compete in the Spanish Super Cup in early January 2025, which will take place in Saudi Arabia. If the December match in Miami is approved, it could mark a significant moment for La Liga’s global expansion efforts.
While Premier League officials have stated that they do not intend to host matches overseas, La Liga continues its push to break into new international markets.
