Accusations have emerged that the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) demanded a £4.5 million ($6 million) appearance fee for a pre-World Cup friendly against Mexico, just days before their high-stakes semi-final against England in the 2026 World Cup. The controversy centers on a failed exhibition match planned for March 2026 at the refurbished Estadio Banorte in Mexico City.
Failed Friendly Negotiations
The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) invited Argentina, the reigning world champions, to play a friendly in March 2026 to celebrate the stadium's reopening and prepare both teams for the tournament. According to Mexican journalist Carlos Ponce de León of Record, the AFA initially agreed to the fixture but later demanded a $6 million (£4.5 million) appearance fee. This fee, Ponce de León reported, was to be split into multiple bank accounts, a request that raised red flags for the FMF.
"The problem was that from the Argentine Federation, they told the Mexican Federation: 'You know what, it's $6m (£4.5m) for the match.' It's crazy. They are the national team that charges the most to play a soccer match, even more expensive than Portugal," Ponce de León said. He added that the AFA instructed the FMF to deposit the money into different accounts, but the FMF refused, offering to pay the full amount in a single transfer.
Collapse of the Deal
When Mexico declined to split the payment, Argentina insisted, and the deal fell apart. Ponce de León explained: "The response was: 'No, we need your help with this, etc.' That's when the warning signs appeared, and the FMF said: 'We are not going to get involved in problems.'" Mexico ultimately arranged a friendly against Portugal on March 28, 2026, which ended in a goalless draw, though Mexico was disappointed that Cristiano Ronaldo, then 41, did not play.
Express Sport has reached out to the AFA for comment. The revelation comes as Argentina prepares to face England in the World Cup semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
