Spain-Argentina Finalissima in Qatar cancelled

Lionel Messi's Argentina won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar The Finalissima between Argentina and Spain has been cancelled because of the war in the Middle East. European champions Spain were set to play Copa America champions Argentina in Qatar on 26 March. Uefa said proposals to hold the match at Real Madrid's Bernabeu, or play a two-legged game in Madrid and Buenos Aires, were rejected by Argentina. Uefa said: "Due to the current political situation in the region, the Finalissima cannot be played as hoped in Qatar. "Uefa explored other feasible alternatives but each ultimately proved unacceptable to the Argentinian Football Association." A joint statement from Conmebol - the governing body of football in South America - and the Argentine FA said they offered an alternative date of 31 March but it was not accepted. "The AFA received a proposal to hold the match at a neutral venue, Italy, on 27 March," the statement read. "Argentina accepted the idea without objection, except for the date, suggesting 31 March. "Unfortunately, Uefa announced that holding the match on the 31st - just four days later than the original proposal - was not possible, and the Finalissima was cancelled." Uefa said: "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." The Spanish FA said , external it had "worked intensively" to get the game on in any format possible, whether in Spain or at a neutral venue. It said: "Spain was prepared to play as it has always been stated. They set no conditions. "Spain, together with Uefa, has offered all possibilities." On Saturday the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Formula 1 Grands Prix due to be held in April were cancelled. Formula 1 said it was not safe to stage the races because of the conflict across the region. The Finalissima, which is staged every four years and is organised by Uefa and Conmebol, was last won by Argentina at Wembley in 2022. In maps: two weeks of attacks across Iran and the Middle East Spain to face Argentina in Finalissima - but what is it? Late Richarlison strike earns Spurs deserved point at Liverpool 'Best racing ever' or 'a joke'? The row over the new F1 Rooney calls for Carrick to get permanent Man Utd job Oscar-nominated Frankenstein and more movies that made Guillermo del Toro Celebrated actor Jessie Buckley picks her Desert Island Discs A new spin on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Behind the making of one of Hollywood's most quotable films 'Best racing ever' or 'a joke'? The row over the new F1 Have Old Firm wrested title momentum away from Hearts? A finale worthy of the greatest Six Nations in history Why GB are 'positive' despite just one medal at Winter Paralympics What next for Dowman - how do you look after a precious talent? Should the Winter Paralympics be moved? How Sancho's dream Man Utd move became a nightmare Gordon hits back at 'complete nonsense' from Rooney and Shearer Brentford, the World Cup and an itch to return to Gaelic football They were told it wasn't for girls, but these could be the future faces of F1 Jason Tindall - the most misunderstood man in football? Why London Spirit spent £390,000 on uncapped Sussex all-rounder Coles Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.