Argentina and Spain to face off in 2026 ‘Finalissima’ in Qatar

European Championship winners Spain will face Copa America champions Argentina in the ‘Finalissima’ game in Qatar in March next year, European soccer body UEFA announced on Thursday.(AFP/File)
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Updated 18 December 2025
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Argentina and Spain to face off in 2026 ‘Finalissima’ in Qatar

  • The contest between the two continental champions was revived in 2021
  • The match will be held on March 27, 2026

DOHA: European Championship winners Spain will face Copa America champions Argentina in the ‘Finalissima’ game in Qatar in March next year, European soccer body UEFA announced on Thursday.
The contest between the two continental champions was revived in 2021 when UEFA and South American confederation CONMEBOL strongly opposed FIFA’s plans for a biennial World Cup.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina outclassed Italy 3-0 in the 2022 contest and the South American side will return to the Lusail Stadium in Qatar where they were crowned world champions three years ago.
The match will be held on March 27, 2026, with the game kicking off at 9 p.m. local time.
Spain and Argentina have met 14 times, with both teams winning six times each.


Driving force behind Saudi motorsport lauds partnership with Formula E ahead of Jeddah E-Prix 2026

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Driving force behind Saudi motorsport lauds partnership with Formula E ahead of Jeddah E-Prix 2026

  • Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal: We are proud to continue our partnership with Formula E, which represents a model for the future of sports based on innovation and sustainability
  • Alberto Longo: We are delighted to be in the Kingdom, and we view Saudi Arabia as a long-term strategic partner in building the future of electric motorsport globally

JEDDAH: The driving force behind Saudi motorsport, Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, has lauded its partnership with Formula E ahead of the Jeddah E-Prix.

“For Saudi Arabia to host such prestigious international motor races is a great honor. We are proud of that, as part of our drive to achieve the aims of Saudi Arabia Vision 2030,” said Prince Khalid bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and the Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC).

The announcement was made at a major press conference that took place at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on Thursday in the presence of Alberto Longo, the Co-Founder & Chief Championship Officer of Formula E and Carlo Boutagy, the Founder and CEO of CBX.

Speaking ahead of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, taking place at the iconic Jeddah Corniche Circuit on 13 and 14 February 2026, Prince Khalid told press: “Since hosting its first international race in 2018, motorsports in the Kingdom has witnessed a qualitative leap in terms of organization, audience attendance, and global standing, and today the Kingdom has become a major stop on the calendar of the most important international championships.”

He added: “We are proud to continue our partnership with Formula E, which represents a model for the future of sports based on innovation and sustainability, and is fully aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.”

For his part, Alberto Longo, the Co-Founder & Chief Championship Officer of Formula E, stated that Saudi Arabia was among the first partners to believe in the vision of Formula E, he said: “We are proud that our first major international station in the region is part of the transformation path led by Vision 2030.”

He added: “We are delighted to be in the Kingdom, and we view Saudi Arabia as a long-term strategic partner in building the future of electric motorsport globally.”

Carlo Boutagy, the Founder and CEO of CBX spoke to the press about the event and what the Formula E enthusiasts expect this year, he said: “The Jeddah E-Prix achieved great popular and organizational success in the last edition, with tickets selling out before the race date, which reflects the rapid growth of motorsports in the Kingdom.”

“Today we are not just talking about a race, but about a complete experience that includes competition, entertainment, audience interaction, and presenting a modern model for the sports events industry in the Kingdom,” he added.

He pointed out that beyond racing, the event offers a full entertainment experience, including concerts, interactive fan zones, and global sponsor activities designed to engage attendees of all ages.