UEFA has announced that the 2026 edition of the Finalissima between Spain and Argentina that was originally scheduled to hold in Qatar, has been cancelled due to the ongoing unrest in the region.
The Finalissima is a one-off competition that pits the European champions against the Copa America champions and the 2026 edition had been scheduled to take place on March 27 between Argentina and Spain.
However, following the ongoing US-Israeli and Iran war which has also affected some parts of Qatar, a decision could not be reached on a new venue, leading to the cancellation of the competition.
Both Madrid and Buenos Aires were discussed as alternative venues, although both were rejected as well.
“After much discussion between UEFA and the organising authorities in Qatar, it is announced today that due to the current political situation in the region, the Finalissima cannot be played as hoped in Qatar,” UEFA revealed.
“UEFA explored other feasible alternatives but each ultimately proved unacceptable to the Argentinian Football Association. The first option was to stage the match at the Bernabeu in Madrid on the original date with a 50:50 split of supporters in the stadium. This would have provided a world class setting, befitting of such a prestigious event, but Argentina refused.
“The second was to stage the Finalissima over two legs — one at the Bernabeu on March 27 and the other in Buenos Aires during an international window before UEFA EURO and Copa America 2028, again offering a supporter split of 50:50 for the match in Madrid. This option was also rejected”, the statement continued.
“Ultimately, UEFA sought a commitment from Argentina that, if a neutral venue in Europe could be found, the game could go ahead on March 27, as planned, or on the alternative date of March 30. This proposal was also rejected.
Argentina made a counter suggestion to play the game after the World Cup but, as Spain has no available dates, that option had to be ruled out. Finally, and contrary to the original agreed plan that the match would take place on 27 March, Argentina declared its availability to play exclusively on March 31, a date which proved to be unworkable.”
Argentina are the defending champions following their 3-0 win over Italy in the 2022 edition held in Wembley and had hoped to successfully defend their title.
The match would have also seen Argentine great Lionel Messi come up against Spanish teenage sensation Lamine Yamal for the first time ever.
The Barcelona youngster has been likened to Messi on several occasions, with similarities in their pattern of play, but would no longer be facing his footballing idol this month.
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