2026 edition of finalissima between spain And argentinaThe match, to be played in Qatar, was canceled due to the current political situation in the region, UEFA confirmed on Sunday.
UEFA Euro 2024 winners Spain and CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 champions Argentina were to face each other for the trophy in Doha on March 27 in a match that would have been very difficult. Lamin Yamal against Lionel Messi For the first time.
However, following the US-Israeli attacks on Iran and the subsequent fallout across the region, Qatar has been deemed unsuitable to host the Games.
UEFA, CONMEBOL and the local organizing committee have explored alternative dates and venues – both Madrid and Buenos Aires were discussed – but no consensus could be reached.
“After considerable discussion between UEFA and the organizing authorities in Qatar, it is today announced that due to the current political situation in the region, the Finalsima cannot be played in Qatar as expected,” UEFA announced. “UEFA explored other possible options but each ultimately proved unacceptable to the Argentine Football Association.
“The first option was to stage the match in the stadium at Madrid’s Bernabéu on the original date, with a 50:50 split of supporters. This would have provided a world-class setting for such a prestigious event, but Argentina refused.
“The second Finalsima was to be held over two legs – one at the Bernabeu on 27 March and the other in Buenos Aires during an international window before UEFA Euro and Copa America 2028, again offering a 50:50 supporter split for the matches in Madrid. This option was also rejected.
“Ultimately, UEFA sought a commitment from Argentina that, if a neutral venue could be found in Europe, the game could go ahead as planned on 27 March or on the alternative date of 30 March. This proposal was also rejected.
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“Argentina made a counter-suggestion to play the game after the World Cup, but since Spain had no available dates, that option had to be rejected. Finally, and contrary to the original agreed plan that the match would take place on 27 March, Argentina specifically announced their availability to play on 31 March, a date that proved impractical.”
The game was scheduled to be the fourth edition of the Finalsima – in which the European champions face the South American champions – but marked only the second time this century the trophy has been competed for.
The world champions are the current holders after defeating Argentina. Italy 3-0 at Wembley in 2022.
France Won the inaugural edition of the competition, when it was known as the Artemio Franchi Cup. uruguay In 1985, while Argentina won the trophy with a penalty shootout victory denmark In 1993.
The game, crucially, was also worth watching barcelona come against star yaml inter miami cfMessi for the first time in his young career.
18-year-old Yamal is regularly compared to the 38-year-old given their similar trajectories at Barça, including the fact that they both play on the right wing, are left-footed and wear the number 10 shirt.
