The 2026 World Cup finals will be back, with Spain and Argentina set to face each other again. And that could happen much sooner than most expected, with FIFA keen to schedule another meeting of this year’s finalists before the new year. Both sides qualified as champions of Euro 2024 and Copa America 2025 and were set to meet in the 2026 Finalissima earlier this year.
The international powerhouses were scheduled to play in Qatar, but the match was canceled due to the Iran conflict and the two countries were unable to agree on an alternative venue. Despite this, both countries advanced to Sunday’s final, with Spain winning 1-0 after extra time. As a result, a scuffle broke out after the final whistle and two Argentina players were sent off. However, La Nación and ESPN Argentina reported that FIFA is ultimately planning to hold the Finalissima by the end of 2026. There are still two match slots remaining before the end of the year and there remains genuine hope that this match will take place.
FIFA has two remaining international competition periods in 2026, the first from September 21st to October 6th and the second from November 9th to 17th. World football’s governing body is reportedly more likely to bring the two teams together during the latter period.
The Qatari government holds the rights to the 2026 Finalissima and plans to host the match when it does. However, the timing will depend on the current state of relations between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
There have been multiple rounds of talks between the United States and Iran aimed at easing tensions. However, repeated incidents in recent weeks and months have hampered prospects for a continuation of the ceasefire.
An even bigger hurdle is that Spain already have two matches scheduled on their calendar for the November international break. The newly crowned world champions are scheduled to face England and the Czech Republic in their final group games of the UEFA Nations League.
Postponing these games could cause significant disruption to other countries’ schedules and participation. This makes it difficult for Luis de la Fuente’s side to qualify for the Finalissima before the end of the year.
The September-October period presents an even greater logistical challenge for La Roja. Spain are scheduled to play four Nations League games in 11 days within that time frame, making it virtually impossible for a rematch with Argentina to take place at that point.
He and teammate Enzo Fernandes received red cards in the final and could be banned from the Finalissima. Nevertheless, the two continental champions will be heavily propelled to gain the upper hand following their unfortunate turn of events at the World Cup.
