Argentina plays the Finalissima: schedule, exact date and where to face Spain

The Finalissima between Argentina and Spain will be played on March 27, 2026, at 3:00 PM (Argentina time), at Lusail Iconic Stadium, Qatar. This match features the current champions of South America and Europe, respectively, in a key duel for both teams as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Although CONMEBOL and UEFA officially recognize the event, FIFA did not consider it an official tournament; however, it represents a highly important competitive commitment for both squads.

When and what time does Argentina play against Spain

The match Argentina must play against the Spanish team is scheduled for noon (local Qatar time), which is 3:00 PM in Argentina. The broadcast from Lusail will allow both nations to follow the game in the afternoon in South America and the next morning in Europe. This timing was chosen considering the global audience and the climatic conditions of the Qatari desert in March.

Different paths to this Finalissima

Argentina arrived at the event as two-time South American champions after winning the 2024 Copa América with a 1-0 victory over Colombia, with Lautaro Martínez scoring in the final. Led by Lionel Scaloni, the team had an impeccable campaign: five wins and one draw followed by a penalty shootout victory, completing the tournament undefeated.

Spain, on the other hand, is the reigning European champion after winning Euro 2024 at the Berlin Olympic Stadium. The Iberian team defeated England 2-1 in an exciting final, with goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal, while Cole Palmer temporarily equalized for the Three Lions, who finished as runners-up for the second consecutive edition.

Challenges: significant absences in both teams

For Argentina to play against Spain on March 27, they must deal with important absences. Juan Foyth will not be available after suffering a rupture of the Achilles tendon in his left leg, a injury that rules him out not only of the Finalissima but also definitively of the 2026 World Cup. Additionally, there is uncertainty about Giovani Lo Celso, who has a moderate proximal muscle-tendon injury in his right thigh, with an estimated return in April.

Spain faces its own complication: Mikel Merino, Arsenal midfielder and a key part of Luis De la Fuente’s scheme, suffers a bone injury requiring surgery. This absence means several months out, depriving the Spanish midfield of one of its defensive pillars ahead of the World Cup.

The generational clash: Messi vs. Yamal and other great figures

Beyond the absences, the match promises to be a showcase of world talent. Lionel Messi, although dealing with a muscle injury, is confirmed to face Spain. His opponent will be Lamine Yamal, both players who debuted professionally at Barcelona but had never shared the pitch until now.

Messi, who dominated world football for two decades, will face the one destined to be his heir on the international stage. The reason they never played together is temporal: when Yamal debuted for Barcelona in April 2023, Messi was a PSG player and later moved to Inter Miami.

Beyond these two protagonists, the encounter will bring together the biggest football stars. For Argentina, standout players include goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, defender Cristian “Cuti” Romero, midfielders Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister, and forwards Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez. On the Spanish side, stars include defenders Dean Huijsen and Marc Cucurella, midfielders Dani Olmo, Pedri, and Rodri, as well as attackers Nico Williams and Ferran Torres.

Past encounters: what happened in previous matches

The history between the two nations shows a balanced record with 14 matches played: six wins for each side and two draws. Only one of these encounters was in an official tournament: the first match between the national teams, at the 1966 England World Cup, which Argentina won 2-1 with goals from Luis Artime.

The most recent encounter was in 2018, when Spain defeated Argentina 6-1. At that time, players like Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico, and Giovani Lo Celso started, while Lautaro Martínez and Marcos Acuña came off the bench. Also present were Leandro Paredes and Ángel Correa. For Spain, players included Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vázquez, and Rodri, all of whom are likely to be called up again for the Finalissima and the 2026 tournament.

Potential rematch scenarios at the 2026 World Cup

Argentina and Spain could face each other twice during the upcoming World Cup cycle. If one finishes as group leader and the other as runner-up, they would meet in the Round of 16 (first knockout round). If both secure first place in their respective groups, the match could be postponed until a hypothetical final held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.