Finalissima: Argentina v Spain match cancelled
Argentina refused to play the game in Madrid instead
The Finalissima match between Argentina and Spain has been cancelled because of the war in the middle east.
The match, which was due to see European Championship winners Spain take on Copa America champions Argentina on March 26, was scheduled for Qatar.
UEFA has now decided to scrap the game amid the escalating conflict.
A proposal to play the match in Madrid instead was rejected by the Argentina FA.
UEFA said in a statement: “Due to the current political situation in the region, the Finalissima cannot be played as hoped in Qatar.
“With strong determination to save the important fixture, and despite the understandable difficulties of relocating a match of such importance at extremely short notice, 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 Santiago Bernabeu stadium 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 Santiago Bernabeu 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.
“Ultimately, UEFA sought a commitment from Argentina that, if a neutral venue in Europe could be found, the game could go ahead on 27 March, as planned and announced on 18 December 2025, or on the alternative date of 30 March. 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.”
Lusail Stadium, which played host to a stunning 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France, won on penalties by La Albiceleste after a 3-3 draw, had been selected as the venue for the game.
However, Qatar has been one of several Gulf states targeted by neighbours Iran in response to the continued airstrikes by the United States and Israel.