Argentina Confirms Friendlies Against Mauritania and Zambia Ahead of 2026 World Cup
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has confirmed international friendly matches against Mauritania and Zambia on March 27th and March 31st, respectively. The matches will be played at La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires, serving as crucial preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Shift in Plans Following Finalissima Cancellation
These friendlies were arranged after the originally scheduled Finalissima against Spain, a match between the European and South American champions, was cancelled. The match, initially planned for Qatar, was first suspended due to the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East and later definitively cancelled due to a failure to reach an agreement on an alternative venue between UEFA and CONMEBOL .
From Guatemala to Mauritania and Zambia
Argentina initially sought a friendly match against Guatemala, but FIFA regulations prohibited the game. These regulations prevent national teams from playing friendlies on different continents within the same international window. Guatemala was scheduled to play Algeria in Genoa, Italy, making a match in Buenos Aires impossible . The AFA then secured matches against Mauritania and Zambia as alternatives.
Zambia’s Historic First Encounter
The upcoming match against Argentina will mark the first time Zambia has faced the South American champions in their history. Zambia previously played Brazil in a friendly in Beijing in 2013, which Brazil won 2-0 .
Squad and Preparations
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni named a 28-member provisional squad for the matches, including Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez, Emi Martinez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolas Paz, and Rodrigo de Paul .
Zambia’s Dual Commitment
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) confirmed their participation, recognizing the opportunity as a significant honor. Due to the scheduling conflict with a Four Nations Tournament in Botswana, Zambia will send a locally-based squad to the tournament even as the senior team travels to Argentina . Power Dynamos coach Oswald Mutapa will lead the youth team in Botswana, while George Lwandamina will coach the senior team in Argentina.
FIFA Rankings
Argentina currently ranks second in the FIFA Coca-Cola World Men’s Rankings, while Zambia is 91st .