In an exciting development for fans in the United States, Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has confirmed the club’s willingness to participate in a historic La Liga fixture on American soil. The proposed match, scheduled for December 21, 2024, would feature two of Spain’s most iconic teams—Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. If it goes through, this match would mark the first time a LaLiga fixture happens in the United States; potentially taking place in Miami.
Additionally, the idea of hosting LaLiga matches outside Spain has been in discussion for years. Thus, La Liga president Javier Tebas has been at the forefront of pushing the league’s global expansion. He has long advocated for taking Spanish soccer to new markets. The United States, in particular, has been a key target for this expansion. This is given the growing popularity of European soccer there.
In response to these ambitions, Cerezo acknowledged the importance of collaboration if the match benefits Spanish soccer. “Where the boss rules, the sailor does not rule. We don’t know anything about the match. If it is for the good of Spanish football, we are delighted to collaborate,” he told the media, 7signaling Atletico Madrid’s readiness to participate in the groundbreaking event.
FIFA’s role in approving match
While Atletico Madrid has given the green light, there remain hurdles to overcome before the match can take place. FIFA holds the final decision on whether to approve the game in the US. Back in 2019, the Blaugrana had initially proposed a similar idea—a league match against Girona in Miami. However, opposition from the Spanish Football Federation and the players’ union blocked the plan.
This time around, there is optimism. In April 2024, FIFA withdrew from a legal challenge against Relevent, a leading match promoter attempting to stage overseas league matches in the US. Soon after, FIFA announced a working group to study the potential impact of hosting competitive domestic football matches abroad. This signals a possible shift in FIFA’s stance on international league fixtures, and many believe this Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid match could set the precedent.
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid scheduled for USA in limbo
Despite the buzz surrounding the proposal, both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid remain in a state of uncertainty. The Spanish Football Federation has yet to grant its approval, and it is still unclear whether FIFA will give the necessary nod to move the match. As the football world watches closely, fans, players, and officials await an official decision.
If the proposal earns approval, the December match between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid could be a landmark event for international soccer. LaLiga’s desire to expand its global audience is not new. This match would be the first competitive league fixture outside Spain. By bringing high-profile matches to the US, La Liga aims to build a stronger connection with American football fans.
In recent years, European teams have increasingly capitalized on the American market. Not only do top clubs regularly host pre-season tours across the country, but MLS has caught on. The MLS All-Star team had faced off against clubs like Arsenal. American fans have demonstrated their passion for the sport, making the US an ideal destination for a La Liga match.
