After the Qatar Football Association announced the suspension of its tournaments and domestic competitions due to the crisis in the Middle East following the conflict triggered by attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, doubts began to arise about the venue for the match scheduled for March 27 at Lusail Stadium in Doha.
In this scenario, both the Argentine Football Association and the Royal Spanish Football Federation are considering alternatives to ensure that the clash between the Copa America champion and the European Championship winner takes place, which is considered key in the preparation for the World Cup to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11.
Discarded venues and proposals under analysis
According to the newspaper Sport, options such as Miami and New York were ruled out due to US involvement in the conflict. Proposals linked to Madrid, Argentina or Morocco would also have been rejected
In this context, the Spanish federation offered Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium as an alternative to host the match. However, from the Argentine side the response was not favorable and, as a counter proposal, it was suggested to organize the match on Argentine soil before the World Cup.
For now, there is no firm offer to move the event to South America and a decision is expected in the coming hours.
Negotiations and tight schedule
The report also details that there were talks between the Qatari federation, UEFA and CONMEBOL to review the original contract, as Qatar had acquired the hosting rights under the Qatar Football Festival.
While the Asian country intends to maintain control of the event, it does not rule out the possibility that it could be played outside its territory if the situation so requires.
The calendar further complicates logistics:
- Spain has a friendly against Egypt on March 30 in Qatar.
- The team led by Lionel Scaloni was scheduled to face the local team on the 31st.
The possible rescheduling forces reorganization of commitments in a decisive FIFA window before the World Cup.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente publicly acknowledged the uncertainty and admitted that various venues are being evaluated in case it cannot be played in Doha.
London gains strength
In the midst of the uncertainty, London emerges as a concrete option. The Independent reported that there are growing doubts about security in Doha and that the English capital has stadiums capable of hosting a high-profile event.
The Wembley Stadium, which hosted the 2022 edition in which Argentina defeated Italy 3-0, will not be available on that day due to a commitment between England and Uruguay. However, London has other top-class venues that could host the match.
Morocco made a formal proposal, although the Spanish federation is said to have rejected it amid tensions linked to the joint bid with Portugal for the 2030 World Cup. The Miami alternative was also ruled out because the Hard Rock Stadium will be occupied by the Miami Open tennis tournament
What if it doesn’t get played?
If the Finalissima is not organised, both Argentina and Spain will have to look for alternative opponents so as not to lose a high-level test before the 2026 World Cup, a tournament in which both teams appear as title contenders.
The final decision is expected shortly, but the uncertainty has already installed a new chapter of tension in the run-up to an event that promised to be one of the great international events before the World Cup.
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