Analysts say political issues in the Middle East show no signs of abating, with conflicts likely to be more long-term. That’s why the world of football – led by organizers Conmebol and UEFA – is watching with concern the news from Qatar, where missiles fired from Iran continued to fly through Qatari airspace this morning.
This is why organizers are already considering other alternatives. Because, apart from the stakes, international football will still be played in March, at least in Europe and America, so we hear that the idea is to hold the Finalissima no matter what happens. Among other things, we have to play a playoff for the last place in the World Cup (to be held in Mexico).
Currently, if Qatar “drops out” as host, the two most likely (but not the only) hosts are London, which hosted the tournament’s first and only edition in 2022, and Miami, which will host the World Cup.
The advantage of London is its proximity and safety (in this sense, England is considered a sufficiently safe country). Almost all of Argentina and Spain’s players play in Europe, so they are close. Moreover, it has become a sentimentally acceptable destination for the Argentines, who defeated Italy 3-0 there in 2022. On June 1st of that year, Messi lifted the Finalissima title to the sky, even before his victory in Qatar. Moreover, in terms of fans, London is perfect. Many of the 88,966 tickets sold at Qatar’s Lusail Stadium were from European-based fans traveling to Doha.
Miami. Although it is the most remote destination, we are used to hosting events like this. In fact, Hard Rock Stadium, which also hosted the 2024 Copa America final, will be the venue for the seven-game World Cup (a logistical disaster, by the way). But there are also doubts. Miami is far away (both teams will have to make a long flight) and the game will be played in the United States, one of the countries in the conflict. This is questionable.
However, Qatar is not officially ruled out and further alternatives are being considered. Everything is under research.
