ABC to Air El Clasico Free-to-Air for U.S. Viewers

The El Clasico match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid is scheduled for October 25, 2026, at Barcelona’s Spotify Camp Nou. This highly anticipated fixture will be broadcast free-to-air in the United States on ABC, aiming to reach over 128 million households.

This initiative is part of a strategy to expand LaLiga's audience in the American market, reflecting the growing commercial importance of the U.S. to European football. The match will also be available on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes for Spanish-language coverage.

The kick-off is set for 4pm Eastern Time, making it accessible for American viewers, particularly families and casual sports fans. In Spain, the match will start at 10pm local time.

This scheduling decision underscores the increasing consideration of international audiences in determining kick-off times for major football events, as both clubs have significant global followings.