The World Cup 2026 final will be revived as Spain and Argentina are due to face off once more. And it could come around far sooner than most may have expected, with FIFA eager keen to schedule another meeting between this year’s finalists before the turn of the year. The two were poised to face one another in the 2026 Finalissima earlier this year, having qualified as champions of Euro 2024 and the 2025 Copa America.
The international heavyweights were set to face off in Qatar but that fixture was scrapped owing to the Iran conflict and the two sides were unable to reach an agreement on an alternative host venue. Nonetheless, both nations went on to reach Sunday’s final, where Spain emerged victorious in a contentious 1-0 extra-time triumph. The result sparked brawls in the aftermath of the final whistle and saw two Argentina players dismissed. However, La Nacion and ESPN Argentina have reported FIFA is planning to stage the Finalissima before the close of 2026 after all. There remains genuine hope the fixture will go ahead, with two potential windows still available to host the clash before the year draws to a close.
FIFA has two international match windows remaining in 2026, with the first falling between September 21 and October 6, and the second taking place between November 9 and 17. World football’s governing body is reportedly more inclined to bring the two sides together during that latter window.
The Qatari government retains the rights to the 2026 Finalissima and plans to stage the match when it takes place. That said, the timing will depend on the state of relations between the United States, Israel and Iran at that point.
Multiple rounds of talks between the United States and Iran have sought to ease tensions. Yet repeated incidents in recent weeks and months have thwarted any prospect of a sustained ceasefire.
A further significant hurdle is that Spain already have two matches confirmed in the calendar for the November international break. The newly crowned world champions are set to meet England and the Czech Republic in their final UEFA Nations League group encounters.
Postponing these fixtures would cause substantial disruption to other nations’ schedules and involvement. This complicates any possibility of Luis de la Fuente’s side taking part in the Finalissima before the year ends.
The September-October window presents even greater logistical challenges for La Roja. Spain are due to play four Nations League matches across an 11-day period during that slot, rendering it virtually impossible for the Argentina rematch to occur then.
Both he and team-mate Enzo Fernandez face potential suspensions for the Finalissima after receiving red cards in the final. Nevertheless, the two continental champions will be hugely driven to gain the upper hand following the unfortunate events at the World Cup.