Lamine Yamal vs Lionel Messi? Date of Spain clash with Argentina decided as Euro 2024 and Copa America champions to go head-to-head in Finalissima showdown

According to AS, Spain and Argentina have agreed to face off in the second edition of the Finalissima, a match between the European and South American champions at the end of March 2026. The fixture is scheduled during the international window reserved for World Cup playoffs, and is pending La Roja’s successful qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Argentina, already qualified, await confirmation of their opponent.

UEFA, FIFA and both the Spanish (RFEF) and Argentine (AFA) Football Associations are eager to build on the success of the Finalissima's return. The 2026 edition promises a blockbuster showdown between two footballing giants and is expected to boost international prestige during a lull in the competitive calendar.

The Finalissima, which replaces the Artemio Franchi Cup held in 1985 and 1993, was the stage for Diego Maradona’s final trophy in the 1993 edition. La Albiceleste continued their legacy by defeating Italy 3-0 in the 2022 Finalissima. The next edition is proposed to take place between March 26 and 31, 2026, with FIFA and UEFA beginning discussions during the 75th FIFA Congress in Paraguay.

Spain begin their journey to next summer’s World Cup in September, kicking off their qualifying campaign with matches against Bulgaria in Sofia on September 4 and Turkey in Konya on September 7, followed by a home fixture against Georgia in Elche in October. Only their successful passage through qualifying will allow the Finalissima to go ahead. Once confirmed, the host venue will be decided, with London’s Wembley again an option. However, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are strongly pushing to host the event raising the possibility of another high-profile international showdown in the Middle East.