Argentina and Spain are set for a November showdown in the 2026 Finalissima. After Spain’s 1-0 win over La Albiceleste in the World Cup final on July 19, 2026, the long-awaited rematch between European and South American champions is back on the table. The last FIFA international window of the year, between November 9 and 17, is the date being considered for the clash that was canceled in March due to the Middle East conflict.

## What happened with the Finalissima?

The match between Argentina and Spain was shelved in March in Qatar. The game, meant to be a rematch of the 2022 World Cup final, was suspended due to the war and venue changes that never materialized. Now, after their clash in the 2026 World Cup final, the intercontinental duel is back in play. La Albiceleste, undefeated champions of America in 2024, and Spain, four-time European champions after winning Euro 2026 in Germany, faced off in New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium with a 1-0 victory for Spain.

## The road to the Finalissima

La Albiceleste claimed its 16th Copa América title in 2024, winning back-to-back editions. In the final, they beat Colombia 1-0 with a Lautaro Martínez strike, racking up five wins and a draw along the way. The ‘Bull’ was the top scorer with five goals and conceded just one goal in the entire tournament. Spain, meanwhile, lifted the Euro 2026 after beating England 2-1 in Berlin, with goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal.

## The Finalissima: from Artemio Franchi to the new format

The Finalissima is the successor to the Artemio Franchi Cup, a trophy that only had two editions (1985 and 1993). In 1985, France beat Uruguay 2-0 in Paris. In 1993, Argentina edged Denmark 1-1 (4-3 on penalties) in Mar del Plata, with a Claudio Caniggia goal and an own goal from Néstor Craviotto. It was Diego Armando Maradona’s last title with the national team.

The first modern Finalissima was played in 2022, when La Albiceleste thrashed Italy 3-0 in London with goals from Lautaro Martínez, Ángel Di María, and Paulo Dybala. The last official result between both teams was Spain 1-0 Argentina on July 19, 2026. La Albiceleste has won four of its last five matches (LWWWW), with Lautaro Martínez leading the attack.

## When and where would it be played?

The November FIFA window (9th to 17th) is the date being considered by the federations for the match. After the World Cup setback, La Albiceleste will look for revenge in a clash that promises to be electric. Venues are still under review, but the focus is on restoring the trophy’s early prestige.