In a seismic shift for the footballing world, the United States is poised to take center stage as the epicenter of the sport, with plans underway to host the prestigious El Clásico clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid on North American turf.
The ambitious endeavor marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to popularize football in the United States. Spearheaded by the visionary leaders of Spanish football, including La Liga president Javier Tebas, the initiative aims to capitalize on the burgeoning football market in North America.
Tebas revealed plans to bring the iconic rivalry to American shores during the 2025/2026 season, underscoring the strategic importance of tapping into the lucrative North American market. “Matches in the USA will strengthen our position in the North American market, which is second in importance to our league after Spain,” Tebas emphasized.
The move comes as part of a broader push to elevate the profile of football in the United States, with major international competitions set to grace American stadiums in the coming years. The USA is poised to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside Canada and Mexico, while the expanded Club World Cup with 32 teams will kick off on American soil a year earlier.
Furthermore, the Copa America, South America’s premier football tournament, is set to captivate audiences in the USA this summer, offering fans a tantalizing glimpse of the world-class talent on display.
The prospect of witnessing El Clásico, one of football’s most storied rivalries, unfold in the heart of North America is sure to generate immense excitement among fans. As football continues to gain traction across the continent, the USA’s ascendance as a footballing powerhouse appears increasingly inevitable.