The Finalissima, officially called the CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions, is an intercontinental football super cup contested between the reigning champions of Europe and South America. The Finalissima 2026 is the second edition of the current version of the Finalissima Competition and the 4th edition of the Soccer Intercontinental Competition tournament.
Finalissima pits the winner of the UEFA European Championship (EURO) against the champion of the CONMEBOL Copa América in a prestigious one-off match.
The competition is organized jointly by UEFA and CONMEBOL as part of their close partnership to celebrate football excellence and foster cooperation between the two leading continental confederations.
Finalissima History and Background
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The Finalissima has a rich history dating back decades. Originally known as the European/South American Nations Cup (also called the Artemio Franchi Cup), it was first contested in 1985 when France defeated Uruguay 2-0.
The tournament was held sporadically—only three times historically (1985, 1993, 2022)—before being relaunched with the current Finalissima branding in 2022.
Argentina’s Soccer team has dominated the competition, winning two of the three previous editions: defeating Denmark 5-4 on penalties in 1993 (after a 1-1 draw) and, most recently, thrashing Italy 3-0 at Wembley Stadium in London in 2022.
The trophy is now played every four years, scheduled to coincide with the continental championship cycles.
Finalissima 2026: Date, Teams, & Venue
- Date: Friday, March 27, 2026
- Kick-off Time: 21:00 local time (19:00 CET / 15:00 ART / 2 p.m. ET)
- Venue: Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar
The 2026 Finalissima match was originally expected to take place in 2025 but was postponed due to scheduling conflicts with both nations’ international commitments.
Spain will be competing in the UEFA Nations League and World Cup qualifiers, while Argentina participates in the lengthy CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers.
Spain vs Argentina: Finalissima 2026 Matchup
Spain and Argentina are both among the top-ranked FIFA national teams, making the Finalissima 2026 a high-stakes clash between two global football giants.
Argentina arrive with a proven track record of dominance in intercontinental competitions, while Spain is widely viewed as one of the strongest contenders to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This blockbuster encounter could define the balance of power in world football and signal who truly stands as the leading title favorite heading into the World Cup.
Spain earned their place by winning UEFA EURO 2024, defeating England 2-1 in the Berlin final to claim their fourth European title. Argentina qualified by successfully defending their Copa América title in 2024, becoming champions for a record 16th time after beating Colombia 1-0 in the final in Florida.
Argentina are the reigning FIFA World Cup champions and the defending Finalissima champions, following their 2022 title win.
This will be Argentina’s third consecutive Finalissima appearance, underlining their continental dominance.
Match Format and Rules
The Finalissima is contested over a single 90-minute match with no extra time. If the score is tied at full-time, the match immediately proceeds to a penalty shootout to determine a winner.
The referee will be jointly appointed by UEFA and CONMEBOL, and modern match officials’ technologies—including VAR, goal-line technology, and semi-automated offside technology (SAOT)—will be in operation.
Finalissima 2026 Match Significance
The Finalissima 2026 sets up a generational battle as Lionel Messi’s Argentina face Lamine Yamal’s Spain, with both teams ranked among FIFA’s elite. This clash of legacy and youth may decide who enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the ultimate title favorite.
The 2026 Finalissima takes on added significance given it will occur just months before the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, providing both continental champions valuable preparation before the world’s biggest football tournament.
Additionally, Lusail Stadium holds historic resonance for Argentina—it was the venue of their victorious 2022 World Cup final against France, where Lionel Messi secured his long-awaited World Cup triumph.
Finalissima 2026 (Spain vs Argentina) – FAQs
Q1. What is the Finalissima 2026?
A: Finalissima 2026 is an intercontinental match between the UEFA Euro champions Spain and the Copa América champions Argentina.
Q2. When will the Finalissima 2026 be played?
A: The Finalissima 2026 is expected to be played in early 2026, with the official date to be confirmed by UEFA and CONMEBOL.
Q3. Where will the Finalissima 2026 take place?
A: The venue for the Finalissima 2026 has not yet been officially announced, but neutral international venues are being considered.
Q4. Will Lionel Messi play in the Finalissima 2026?
A: Lionel Messi is expected to be part of Argentina’s squad for the Finalissima 2026, subject to fitness and selection.
Q5. Why is the Finalissima 2026 important for the FIFA World Cup?
A: The match is seen as a key indicator of momentum and form ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, especially between two top-ranked teams.
Q6. Is Finalissima 2026 a competitive or friendly match?
A: Finalissima is an official competitive match, not a friendly, recognized by both UEFA and CONMEBOL.
Q7. Can the Finalissima 2026 influence World Cup favorites?
A: Yes, the result could influence perceptions of which team enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a leading title contender.
