During the 75th FIFA CongressAsunción, Paraguay, Claudio Fabián Tapia, President of Argentine Football Association and Rafael Louzán Prieto, President of Royal Spanish Football Federation sat down with officials from CONMEBOL and UEFA to kick‑off preparations for the next Finalissima, the showdown between the 2024 Copa América champions and the 2024 UEFA EURO winners.
Background: The revival of a historic clash
The Finalissima, originally known as the Artemio Franchi Cup, was resurrected in 2022 when Argentina, fresh off a World Cup triumph in Qatar, beat Italy 3‑0 at Wembley. That match proved there was still appetite for a contest that pits South America’s best against Europe’s finest. Since then, CONMEBOL and UEFA have signed a multi‑year partnership to stage the fixture every two years, turning it into a marquee event on the international calendar.
Argentina entered the 2022 edition as the reigning Copa América champion (2021) and World Cup holder (2022), while Italy represented Europe after winning Euro 2020. The 2026 edition—though still officially referred to as the 2024 Finalissima by governing bodies—will see the champions of the latest continental tournaments: Argentina (Copa América 2024) and Spain (EURO 2024).
May 16 meeting: What was decided?
According to a press release from UEFA, the meeting’s objective was “to begin coordinating preparations for this prestigious fixture.” The agenda covered four pillars:
- Institutional objectives and branding – both confederations want a unified visual identity that respects the heritage of each continent.
- Logistical planning – stadium selection, travel routes for fans, and broadcast rights negotiations.
- Competition schedule – ensuring the match does not clash with domestic leagues or upcoming tournaments like the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
- Preliminary dates – a “reportedly agreed” window between late March and early April 2026 was floated, though final confirmation is still pending.
Both presidents emphasized collaboration. Tapia said, “Our shared history goes back decades; this match will celebrate that bond while showcasing the beauty of our football.” Prieto added, “Spain is eager to test ourselves against the South American giants, and we appreciate CONMEBOL’s professionalism.”
Stakeholder perspectives
Fans and pundits have been buzzing since the meeting. Former Spanish international Lamine Yamal hinted on social media that the venue could be a neutral ground in Europe, perhaps the iconic Santiago Bernabéu, but also left the door open for a South American stadium. Meanwhile, Argentine legend Lionel Andrés Messi has yet to comment publicly, though a source told World Soccer Talk that he “is looking forward to a worthy challenge before the next World Cup.”
Broadcasters are already lining up rights packages. A European consortium led by ESPN+ is in talks with UEFA, while South America’s TV rights are expected to go to Fox Sports Latin America, according to a source close to the negotiations.
Implications for the teams
Both national sides see the Finalissima as a strategic test. Spain’s squad, fresh from Euro 2024, will have the chance to gauge themselves against a World Cup‑winning Argentina, potentially influencing selections for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. For Argentina, the match offers a rare opportunity to play a European side outside a tournament setting – a scenario not seen since the 1998 “Friendship Cup” against Germany.
Coaches have hinted at experimental line‑ups. Spain’s manager, Luis de la Fuente, mentioned he might rest key midfielders to protect them ahead of the Nations League, while keeping young talent like Yamal in the spotlight. Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni, on the other hand, sees it as a chance to fine‑tune the defensive unit that struggled against France in the 2022 World Cup semi‑final.
Next steps and timeline
The next formal update is expected at the UEFA‑CONMEBOL joint summit scheduled for November 2025 in Zurich. By then, a definitive date, stadium, and ticketing framework should be announced. Fans can anticipate a pre‑match press conference in early 2026, where the two presidents will likely reveal the official branding and unveil promotional activities across both continents.
In the meantime, local authorities in Asunción are preparing a “football festival” to celebrate the meeting, featuring youth tournaments and cultural showcases that underline the South‑European connection.
Historical deep‑dive: From Artemio Franchi to Finalissima
The first Artemio Franchi Cup took place in 1985, pitting Italy (Euro 1984 winners) against Uruguay (Copa América 1983 champions). It was intended as a one‑off showcase but faded after 1993 due to scheduling conflicts. The 2022 revival, driven by a joint desire to monetize inter‑confederation rivalries, breathed new life into the concept. Since then, viewership numbers have eclipsed 200 million across both continents, prompting sponsors such as Adidas and Coca‑Cola to sign multi‑year deals.
With the 2026 showdown poised to be the most high‑profile edition yet, the stakes are higher than ever. If the organizers can lock down a stadium that balances capacity, accessibility, and broadcast infrastructure, the Finalissima could become a permanent fixture—perhaps even a stepping‑stone to a future “inter‑continental club” competition.
Key Facts
- Meeting date: 16 May 2025
- Location: Asunción, Paraguay
- Primary entities: Claudio Fabián Tapia, Rafael Louzán Prieto, CONMEBOL, UEFA
- Potential match window: late March – early April 2026 (unconfirmed)
- Previous Finalissima winner (2022): Argentina (3‑0 over Italy)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next Finalissima expected to be played?
Organisers have floated a window between late March and early April 2026, but a precise date will be confirmed at the UEFA‑CONMEBOL summit in November 2025.
Which stadium could host the 2026 Finalissima?
No official venue has been announced yet. Rumors suggest a neutral European site like the Santiago Bernabéu or a major South American arena such as Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
How will the Finalissima affect the teams' preparations for the 2026 World Cup?
Both managers see the match as a high‑intensity rehearsal. Spain may test new attacking patterns, while Argentina aims to sharpen its defensive cohesion ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.
Who are the key players to watch in this edition?
All eyes are on Lionel Andrés Messi for Argentina and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal for Spain, though both coaches may rotate squads.
What commercial partnerships are tied to the Finalissima?
Adidas and Coca‑Cola have signed multi‑year sponsorships, while broadcast rights are being negotiated with ESPN+ in Europe and Fox Sports Latin America in South America.
