European football governing body UEFA has cancelled the “Finalissima” match between Argentina national football team and Spain national football team following security concerns linked to the ongoing war involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

The match had been scheduled for March 27 in Doha, Qatar. It was expected to feature Spain as winners of UEFA Euro 2024 against Argentina, champions of Copa América 2024.

UEFA said the fixture could not go ahead because organisers were unable to find a suitable alternative date or venue as tensions in the Middle East escalated.

“It is a source of great disappointment to UEFA and the organisers that circumstances and timing have denied the teams the chance to compete for this prestigious prize in Qatar,” the organisation said in a statement.

The Finalissima is organised jointly by UEFA and South American football body CONMEBOL. The match pits the champions of Europe against the champions of South America.
Spain qualified for the fixture after winning Euro 2024, while Argentina secured its place after winning the 2024 Copa América.

Officials had considered options including relocating the match or rescheduling it later in the year. However, scheduling conflicts with international fixtures and security concerns linked to the war made an agreement impossible.

The cancellation comes as the conflict between Iran and Israel, involving US military support for Israel, continues to affect several activities across the Middle East, including aviation, energy markets and major international events.

The previous edition of the Finalissima was played in 2022 at Wembley Stadium in London, where Argentina defeated Italy 3–0 to win the trophy.