As Barcelona prepares to return to their iconic Camp Nou for the 2025-26 season, speculation is mounting about a highly unusual event that could make headlines across world soccer. Could one of their official La Liga matches be moved across the Atlantic to be played in the United States? The idea may seem far-fetched, but recent statements and developments suggest that this possibility is more than just a rumor—it’s an active project being considered by La Liga officials.
After spending over a season away due to renovations, Lionel Messi‘s former side, Barcelona, is expected to return to the Spotify Camp Nou in September 2025, ready to welcome fans back to a modernized version of their legendary home ground. This return promises a boost in matchday revenue, crucial for the club’s financial recovery. However, it’s already been confirmed that the Blaugrana will not be able to host the Joan Gamper Trophy at the venue, as the stadium will not be fully ready in time.
That adjustment could potentially be followed by another shift in plans. According to Sport, La Liga is actively exploring the possibility of staging one official fixture in the United States, with Barca’s home match against Villarreal—scheduled for December 20 or 21, 2025—identified as the most likely candidate. If this move is confirmed, it would mean that Barcelona would play only 18 domestic matches at home, not 19.
Tebas’ project: La Liga in the USA
The idea of taking La Liga overseas is not new. For years, La Liga president Javier Tebas has campaigned to expand the league’s reach beyond Spain’s borders. In a recent interview, he reaffirmed his intention to make this ambition a reality.
“We have a commitment to play in Miami one day. Back in the day, we talked about involving important teams, or watching an Atletico Madrid match against Barcelona,” Tebas said. “We are going to see what the calendar allows us to do, but the idea is to bring a great club. It is clear that, looking at the relations with one and the other, the predisposition… Barcelona would be easier than Real Madrid.”
While Miguel Galan, president of Spain’s national coaching academy CENAFE, claimed that Villarreal vs. Barcelona has already been selected for the U.S. event, Tebas was quick to play down the certainty of such claims. “I don’t respond to Miguel Galan because he says so many things”, the 62-year-old said, before adding a five-word update on the situation: “We are working on it.”
“I’ve said many times that our intention is to take a match outside of Spain, and that Miami is a likely destination. His guess is like playing the lottery,” Tebas said during a La Liga broadcast deal signing event in London.
The idea itself isn’t unprecedented. In the 2018-19 season, a Girona vs. Barcelona match in Miami was planned, but ultimately blocked by FIFA and the RFEF due to logistical and regulatory issues. Still, Tebas remains persistent, viewing the U.S. as a crucial market for La Liga’s long-term growth strategy. “It’s always possible, but I don’t know if it will be Barcelona–Villarreal or a different match,” he added.
