UEFA has approved two European league matches for play abroad as exceptional cases. These include La Liga’s FC Barcelona versus Villarreal in Miami and Serie A’s Associazione Calcio (AC) Milan versus Como 1907 in Perth.
The decisions were announced on October 6, 2025. Thus, they mark football’s first regular-season domestic games outside home nations.
Villarreal faces Barcelona on December 20, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium. Meanwhile, Milan hosts Como on February 6, 2026, at Optus Stadium. Capacities reach 65,000 and 60,000, respectively.
La Liga pursues U.S. growth using tactics similar to those employed by the NFL. Consequently, the fixture boosts sponsorships and fanbases.
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Serie A’s match addresses San Siro closures for 2026 Winter Olympics prep. Therefore, Perth fills the void. Como’s promotion injects upset potential against Milan’s legacy.
Backlash builds
Our research revealed widespread opposition. Fans, clubs, and players decried the relocations. Yet, national bodies advanced amid commercial lures.
Football Supporters Europe slammed the harm to traditions. Thus, they pledge aid to ultras and FIFA lobbying. FIFPro even mentioned travel fatigue concerns.
Past bids faltered. La Liga’s 2023 Barcelona-Atletico Miami plan collapsed due to scheduling. Similarly, 2019’s Barcelona-Girona drew union fire.
Italy’s Supercoppa roamed Saudi Arabia since 2018. Spain’s joined in 2019. However, those were cups, not leagues.
England scrapped a 2008 global game idea. Premier League chief Richard Masters reaffirmed no plans for August 2025. Hence, commercialization creeps cautiously.
Leagues project revenue millions for infrastructure. Detractors counter with loyalty losses. FIFA’s review eyes jet lag and equity.
