UEFA and CONMEBOL have announced that Spain, winners of UEFA EURO 2024, will play Argentina, CONMEBOL Copa América 2024 champions, in the men's Finalissima 2026. The match will take place at Lusail Stadium in Qatar on 27 March 2026. This fixture revives the tradition of pitting European and South American continental champions against each other.
The 2026 Finalissima, the fourth edition of the match between UEFA EURO winners and CONMEBOL Copa América victors, was confirmed on 18 December 2025 by UEFA, CONMEBOL, the Royal Spanish Football Federation, and the Argentine Football Association. It will occur at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, the venue of Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph over France in a 3-3 draw decided by penalties. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 local time (19:00 CET, 15:00 ART) on Friday, 27 March 2026, with Qatar's Local Organising Committee handling arrangements.
The clash pits Lionel Messi, now 38 and playing for Inter Miami, against Spain's rising star Lamine Yamal, who earned Best Young Player at EURO 2024 after Spain's 2-1 final win over England. Argentina secured their Copa América title on the same day as Spain's Euro success, defeating Colombia 1-0 in extra time with a goal from Lautaro Martínez. Yamal has since led Barcelona to a LaLiga and Copa del Rey double.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin described the event as 'one of football’s most prestigious occasions, highlighting the game’s truly global reach and the enduring bond between our confederations.' CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez called it 'a symbol of cooperation and respect between confederations.' Qatar's Minister of Sports and Youth, H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, emphasized the country's expertise in hosting major events.
Previous Finalissimas include France's 2-0 win over Uruguay in 1985, Argentina's penalty shootout victory against Denmark in 1993, and Argentina's 3-0 defeat of Italy in 2022 at Wembley, where Messi captained the side to an unbeaten run extended into World Cup glory. This matchup may offer Messi a rare direct encounter with Yamal before a potential 2026 World Cup final.
