The Spanish soccer federation has approved a request to hold its first-ever regular-season game in the United States.

Soccer fans in the U.S. have long been used to seeing some of Europe's biggest clubs play exhibition matches and friendlies during the summer, but now Spain's LaLiga is closer to hosting a regular-season match stateside. And it would include the league's defending champions.

Barcelona and Villarreal have moved a step closer to playing a league game in the United States in December. The Spanish football federation (RFEF) confirmed it had given approval to a request from the clubs on Monday.