Finalissima 2026: Spain vs Argentina Sparks an Arab-flavored Global Showdown
19 November 2025
What is Finalissima?
Finalissima is the “big final,” a cross‑continental clash between Europe’s champion and South America’s champion. It was revived in 2021 after an agreement between UEFA and CONMEBOL, and the match now occurs every four years, aligned with the Euro schedule. Think of it as a grand, winner‑takes‑all showcase that brings two continents together for one night of drama.
The competition was previously known as the Artemio Franchi Cup, and its revival marked a renewed collaboration between Europe and South America in international football.
The format was brought to life again in September 2021 as part of a broader cooperation plan, with the match now slated for a four‑year cycle that coincides with the Euro.
Argentina lifted the crown in the most recent edition of Finalissima, beating Italy in the 2021 final, while the winner of Copa America 2024 is expected to face Spain, the Euro 2024 champion, in 2026.
Roadmap to 2026
Argentina’s Copa America triumphs in 2021 and 2024 have positioned them to potentially meet Spain again in 2026, the Euro champion. In the ongoing build‑up, there are strong indications that Doha could host the Finalissima in 2026, with trade winds blowing for additional matches involving Qatar and Saudi Arabia after the main event. This Arab flavor mirrors the growing football diplomacy in the region and could amplify the tournament’s profile across Europe, South America, and the Middle East.
Experts and newspapers have floated the idea that two post‑Finalissima fixtures could be organized: one pairing Spain against Qatar and another pitting Argentina against Saudi Arabia, although no official plan has been finalized yet. The goal is to maximize benefits for all four federations involved—UEFA, CONMEBOL, and their partner unions—while keeping the core Finalissima sense of global spectacle.
Meanwhile, major nations continue with their March friendlies in the United States, giving Qatar and Saudi Arabia additional opportunities to showcase their football programs ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Germany has scheduled a March 30 friendly against Ivory Coast, while France, Portugal, and others will be in the U.S. for similar preparations. These parallel matches could set the stage for a richer, more interconnected run‑up to the tournament year.
What to expect for the Arab and European‑South American axis?
The ongoing chatter around the Dubai‑ish or Doha‑ish horizon for the Finalissima, plus potential post‑final fixtures against Saudi Arabia and Qatar, reflects a broader strategy to grow cross‑continental competition and increase exposure for all four federations. The Arab Cup 2025 in Qatar later this year will also serve as a testing ground for players and coaching staff as they prepare for the global stage of 2026.
Saudi Arabia’s camp in Jeddah produced a win over Côte d’Ivoire and a heavier defeat to Algeria, prompting wide debate about the team’s readiness for the World Cup cycle ahead and the value of the Arab Cup 2025 in Qatar as a confidence booster. The national program, under coach Hervé Renard, remains under scrutiny as fans call for measured changes ahead of the World Cup, with opinions ranging from urgent reform to cautious optimism.
In contrast, the looming Finalissima and the broader March‑to‑World‑Cup calendar are expected to elevate the profile of Spain, Argentina, and the Arab teams, with the potential for more cross‑continental fixtures that benefit the European and South American champions as well as the Arab world’s rising football ambitions.
And if a bold, unlikely pairing sneaks into the party after Finalissima, you’ll know the real miracle was not a play on the field, but the tournament’s schedule finally syncing with your calendar. May the best cross‑continental bromance win.
