FIFA’s overseas match rules draft could test the balance of power in US football, with MLS and USL caught in the middle.
FIFA has circulated plans to allow domestic league matches to be played abroad, with new rules for “out of territory” fixtures.
According to draft regulations seen by The Athletic and The Guardian, leagues would be authorised to stage one overseas match per season, and host nations would be capped at a maximum of five foreign league fixtures each year.
The proposals are part of an overhaul of FIFA’s match approval framework, which has barely changed since 2014.
As part of the proposed system, any request to move a domestic fixture abroad would need approval from governing bodies, including the clubs’ national association, their confederation, the host nation’s federation and its confederation, with FIFA holding the final sign-off.
Additionally, leagues would need to submit applications six months ahead of the abroad match, explaining in detail how revenue from the game would be shared between stakeholders, including domestic clubs and the host market.
The circulated draft also covers measures on how clubs must manage player travel and ensure supporters are not negatively impacted, including potential compensation for lost home fixtures or assistance with travel.
This comes at a time when FIFA has faced increased scrutiny over calendar expansion, particularly ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with concerns growing around player workload and welfare.
The rules also introduce a reciprocity clause, in which host leagues may be allowed to stage return fixtures in the originating market. For example, a European league hosting a match in the US could be expected to allow an American competition to do the same.
Global growth vs domestic resistance
Playing matches abroad has been a divisive topic in recent years, with clubs increasingly open to the idea despite pushback from supporters and stakeholders.
Recent examples include Villarreal vs Barcelona in Miami and Milan vs Como in Perth. While both fixtures received approval from FIFA and what UEFA described as “reluctant” backing, neither went ahead.
Resistance has mainly come from domestic fan groups and player welfare concerns, with critics pointing to an already congested calendar and the impact of long-distance travel.
However, taking matches abroad offers clubs the opportunity to grow global audiences, engage new markets and generate additional matchday revenue, with ticket prices in overseas markets usually exceeding those in domestic leagues.
If these matches are to become more common, the US looks to be the primary target. Its size, commercial mindset and growing interest in football make it an attractive destination for European leagues.
FIFA has already leaned into this market, with the upcoming 2026 World Cup set to introduce more US-style commercial elements, including dynamic ticketing models that are more common in American sports.
Can FIFA protect MLS and USL?
FIFA’s proposals also include safeguards for host nations, suggesting an awareness of the potential impact an influx of foreign matches could have, particularly in the US.
Limits on the number of matches staged in a single country, as well as requirements around revenue sharing and reciprocity, look to be an attempt to manage how international fixtures are introduced sensibly.
This is particularly relevant given the current state of US football, which is entering a period of significant change. The country has recently hosted the FIFA Club World Cup, will co-host the 2026 World Cup and is experiencing increased investment across the sport.
There are also growing tensions within the US. Major League Soccer operates under a franchise-based model, while newer initiatives, like the United Soccer League, are pushing for a more European-style system with promotion and relegation.
“My experiences with Ipswich Town FC and English soccer culture have certainly influenced how we think about fan engagement. There is something about the authenticity and passion at Portman Road that is unmatched,” said Brett Johnson, Co-founder and Chairman of Rhode Island FC, when speaking to Insider Sport last year.
“However, we are not trying to be a carbon copy of an English club. Rhode Island has its own identity and its own history. We want to honour that.”
An influx of European fixtures could complicate this further, with matches featuring clubs from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and the Bundesliga likely to attract significant attention, potentially taking the focus away from domestic competitions.
There is also a scenario where these games support growth by increasing overall interest in football. However, it would depend on domestic leagues being able to convert attention into engagement with their own competitions, a difficult task as these matches wouldn’t include a US team.
