The Argentine national team has another opportunity to claim a title before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Having won the 2024 Copa América, Argentina has secured its place in the Finalissima, where it will face Spain, the champions of the 2024 UEFA European Championship. However, while the match is set to take place before the next World Cup, its exact date and venue remain uncertain due to scheduling conflicts.
The Road to the Finalissima
Argentina won the 2024 Copa América for the second consecutive time and the 16th time in its history. The team triumphed over Colombia in the final with a 1-0 victory, courtesy of a goal from Lautaro Martínez. Throughout the tournament, Argentina remained unbeaten, securing five wins and one draw, which led to a penalty shootout victory. The squad netted nine goals and conceded only one, with Lautaro Martínez emerging as the top scorer with five goals.
On the other hand, Spain clinched the 2024 European Championship, marking their fourth continental triumph. They secured the title by defeating England 2-1 in the final. Spain won all seven of their matches in the tournament, scoring 15 goals and conceding only four. Dani Olmo led their scoring charts with three goals.
Scheduling Challenges and Possible Dates
The initial plan to hold the Finalissima in March 2025 was ruled out due to conflicting commitments. Argentina will be engaged in South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, facing Uruguay in Montevideo and Brazil in Buenos Aires. Meanwhile, Spain will compete in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals against the Netherlands.
One viable alternative is to schedule the match for March 2026, shortly before the World Cup. This period may be more convenient as Argentina will have completed its World Cup qualifiers by then. Spain’s availability, however, will depend on whether they need to compete in a European playoff for World Cup qualification. Playing in March 2026 could serve as an essential test for both teams as they prepare for the tournament.
The Venue Dilemma
The location of the Finalissima is another unresolved issue. According to tournament organizers, the event should be held in the Americas, as the previous edition took place in Europe. The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) is advocating for the match to be played in the United States. However, UEFA has expressed resistance to hosting the game outside Europe. A final decision on the venue has yet to be made.
The 2022 Finalissima took place at Wembley Stadium in London, where Argentina defeated Italy 3-0. That edition marked the return of the intercontinental championship, following the legacy of the now-defunct Artemio Franchi Cup.
Head-to-Head History: Argentina vs. Spain
Argentina and Spain have faced each other 14 times, with both teams winning six matches each and drawing once. Interestingly, 13 of these encounters were friendly matches, with only one official competition match—during the 1966 FIFA World Cup in England, where Argentina won 2-1 thanks to goals from Luis Artime.
Their most recent clash occurred in 2018, when Spain delivered a stunning 6-1 victory over Argentina in a friendly match.
The Evolution of the America vs. Europe Clash
The Finalissima is a modernized version of the historic Artemio Franchi Cup, which previously determined the best team between the Copa América and UEFA European Championship winners. The first Finalissima under its current name was held on June 1, 2022, before the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. In that match, Argentina dominated Italy at Wembley, securing a 3-0 victory with goals from Lautaro Martínez, Ángel Di María, and Paulo Dybala.
The Artemio Franchi Cup had only two editions before it was discontinued. The first was in 1985, when France defeated Uruguay 2-0 in Paris, with goals from Dominique Rocheteau and José Touré. The second took place in 1993, when Argentina faced Denmark in Mar del Plata. That match ended in a 1-1 draw, with goals from Néstor Craviotto (own goal) and Claudio Caniggia. Argentina then won in a penalty shootout, marking Diego Maradona’s last title with the national team.
The Significance of the Finalissima
For both Argentina and Spain, the upcoming Finalissima represents more than just another title. It serves as a high-profile encounter between two of the world’s best teams, offering a glimpse into their strengths and weaknesses before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Moreover, it reignites the historic rivalry between South American and European champions, a tradition that adds prestige to the tournament.
While fans eagerly anticipate this showdown, the uncertainty surrounding its date and venue continues. Regardless of when and where it takes place, the Finalissima between Argentina and Spain promises to be an exciting and competitive match, showcasing world-class talent on both sides.