UEFA has confirmed that plans remain in place for Qatar to host the Finalissima match between Argentina and Spain on March 27, despite the emirate being targeted by Iranian missiles amid the widening Middle East conflict. The European football body stated that no alternative venues are currently being considered, though a final decision is expected towards the end of next week.
The match, which pits the reigning champions of South America and Europe against each other, is scheduled to take place at Lusail Stadium in Doha. This venue hosted the 2022 World Cup final, where Argentina defeated France in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 3-3 draw, with Lionel Messi scoring twice and Kylian Mbappé netting a hat-trick.
UEFA noted that discussions are ongoing with local organizers, who have made significant efforts to ensure the match's success. Qatar has close ties with UEFA; its top football official, Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, who is also president of Qatar-owned Paris Saint-Germain, sits on UEFA's executive committee.
If security risks in Doha become too great, the match could be moved to Spain or elsewhere in Europe, where nearly all players from both squads are based. The first edition of the Finalissima was held at Wembley Stadium in London in June 2022, where Argentina and Messi beat Italy 3-0.
