Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has broken his silence to defend the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) amid fallout from the collapsed Finalissima between La Roja and Argentina, with the manager placing responsibility for the fixture's collapse on the South American nation. The match, which would have pitted the European champions against the world champions, never materialised despite months of planning.
CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez has sensationally declared Argentina "two-time champions" of the Finalissima. The South American chief hit out at Spain and UEFA after the highly anticipated clash between the continental kings was officially scrapped.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has reportedly been left disappointed after the 2026 Finalissima was officially called off. The Inter Miami talisman viewed the showpiece event against Euro 2024 winners Spain as a vital competitive fixture rather than a mere exhibition match. The game was due to take place later this month but has been cancelled due to geopolitical issues.
Football fans will be denied a dream showdown between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal after the 2026 Finalissima between Argentina and Spain was officially cancelled. Following the forced relocation of the fixture from Qatar due to geopolitical issues, a complete breakdown in negotiations saw the Argentinian FA reject multiple UEFA proposals - including a clash at the Bernabeu - leaving the highly anticipated meeting of champions scrapped over unresolvable scheduling conflicts.
The highly anticipated Finalissima clash between European champions Spain and world champions Argentina is currently shrouded in uncertainty after security concerns forced a relocation from Qatar. With the original March 27 date fast approaching, a diplomatic tug-of-war has emerged over the new venue. While the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has proposed the Santiago Bernabeu as an eleventh-hour solution, their Argentinian counterparts remain hesitant.
Spanish dark horses Sevilla are currently the most accomplished club in Europa League history, winning the competition seven times. Los Nervionenses won their maiden title in 2006, beating Middlesbrough 4-0 in the final. They defended their crown in the next season, before completing a hattrick of wins in 2014, 2015, and 2016 under Unai Emery.
How many teams are in the Europa League?
The newest format, introduced ahead of the 2024-25 season, features 36 teams. Traditionally, all games were two-legged knockout ties. From 2004 to 2009, 40 teams competed. In the 2009-10 season, when the UEFA Cup was rebranded as the Europa League, a total of 48 teams featured.
Who has made the most Europa League appearances ever?
Inter Milan legend Giuseppe Bergomi, with 96 appearances, holds the record of making the most Europa League (formerly the UEFA Cup) appearances in history.
Who is the all-time top scorer of the Europa League?
If we consider goals scored in qualifying games and when it was the UEFA Cup, then Swedish icon Henrik Larsson leads the charts with 40 goals. However, without qualifying games taken into account, it's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who is Europa League's top goalscorer ever with 34 goals.
Who has the most assists in the history of the Europa League?
Sparta Prague legend Borek Dockal has the most assists in Europa League (formerly the UEFA Cup) history. Dockal made an impressive 24 assists in 62 games in the competition.
Who is the oldest player ever in the Europa League and how old was he?
Ratko Svilar is the oldest player to ever have featured in the Europa League (formerly the UEFA Cup), with the former Antwerp man taking to the pitch at the age of 44 years and 130 days.
Who is the youngest player ever in the Europa League and how old was he?
Former Swedish striker Roger Lindevall is the youngest player to ever appear in a Europa League (formerly the UEFA Cup) game. Lindevall was just 15 years and 335 days when he came on as a substitute for Djurgardens IF in their 2-1 win over Feyenoord on September 29, 1976.
Which famous players have played in the Europa League?
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Cristiano Ronaldo, Granit Xhaka, Rui Patricio, Giuseppe Bergomi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba, Mesut Ozil, Dimitri Payet, and Florian Wirtz are among the most famous players to have featured in the Europa League (formerly the UEFA Cup).
Which famous managers have managed in the Europa League?
Unai Emery, Jose Mourinho, Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, Giovanni Trapattoni, Franz Beckenbauer, and Diego Simeone are some of Europa League's (formerly the UEFA Cup) most famous managers ever.