Villarreal vs FC Barcelona in Miami: LaLiga's official statement

Villarreal vs FC Barcelone

A few days after UEFA's announcement, it's now LaLiga's turn to release a statement about the blockbuster Villarreal vs Barça clash set to take place in Miami.

Villarreal vs FC Barcelona, originally scheduled for matchday 17 of LaLiga, will not be played in Spain. The fixture has been relocated to the United States and will take place at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. This Wednesday, LaLiga made the news official with a press release.

🚨| 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Javier Tebas confirms that the Villarreal vs FC Barcelona match will be played in Miami on December 20. #fcblivepic.twitter.com/ezbaG3P5tZ

— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) October 8, 2025

LaLiga's statement:"LALIGA announces that the Matchday 17 fixture of LALIGA EA SPORTS between Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona will be played on December 20, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.

"With this match, we are taking a historic step that elevates LALIGA and Spanish football to a new level. We understand and respect the concerns this decision may raise, but it’s important to put it in context: it is just one game out of the 380 in the season. LALIGA represents millions of fans around the world, many of whom passionately follow their teams and deserve to experience them live at least once. This match aims to bring our football closer to these global supporters without compromising our commitment to those who experience it first-hand in Spanish stadiums every matchday," said Javier Tebas, President of LALIGA.

"For Villarreal CF, this is a historic opportunity to continue our growth and gain visibility in such an important country as the United States. Thanks to this initiative, we will reach supporters worldwide and further develop both the club’s and LALIGA’s brands. We know this away fixture will impact our season ticket holders, which is why we will implement significant measures to compensate them. We are confident it will be a fantastic experience," stated Fernando Roig, President of Villarreal CF.

"We look forward to meeting all our supporters in the United States and thank LALIGA for giving us the chance to visit one of the club's strategic markets. We have visited the country for many years and have always felt the passion that FC Barcelona inspires. As a global club with millions of fans worldwide, this opportunity strengthens our commitment to international supporters, especially in a key market like the United States. An official match in a city like Miami, with a large Barça community, will undoubtedly be a spectacular event, with two teams facing off at the highest level," commented Joan Laporta, President of FC Barcelona.

This decision is the result of years of dialogue and coordination with all stakeholders and responds to the requests of the participating clubs, supported by LALIGA. Its objective is to drive international growth, expand the global fan base, and consolidate LALIGA’s place among the world’s top competitions, while preserving its integrity. Furthermore, it will allow millions of LALIGA fans in the United States to experience the thrill of an official match live, while maintaining the competition’s roots in Spain.

This major milestone reinforces the image of Spanish football as a pioneer and global benchmark. It also highlights the growing interest in football in the United States and fits within the context of the 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

LALIGA reiterates its commitment to Spanish fans: the match will be broadcast live by official broadcasters, with additional content to enhance the experience. Moreover, compensation measures have been put in place for local club season ticket holders. Villarreal CF subscribers will be able to attend the match for free, and those who opt not to travel to Miami will receive a 30% discount on their season ticket, as part of measures to reward their support and loyalty. In the weeks leading up to the match, activation events will be held in the United States so fans can fully enjoy and immerse themselves in the LALIGA ecosystem beyond the match itself.

The organization of this event is the result of a long-term strategy promoted by LALIGA North America, which has established a solid presence for Spanish competition on the continent. Through its commitment to grassroots programs, academies, sponsorship initiatives, and its strategic partnership with ESPN, LALIGA has strengthened its relationship with North American fans and brought its vision to life.

The Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, a regular host of major sporting and cultural events, will welcome this historic match with a capacity of more than 65,000 spectators. Anyone interested can register now for the pre-sale at LALIGAMIAMI.COM. The pre-sale will take place on October 21; tickets go on general sale October 22."