Argentina to play two African countries

Argentina will still have time to test itself ahead of the World Cup, but it’s hard to imagine a better opportunity than the now-cancelled clash with Spain national football team. Instead of facing the reigning European champions, the world champions will take on Mauritania national football team on March 27 at La Bombonera. Because the Finalissima was postponed too late—just two weeks before it was supposed to be played—both teams had limited options for replacement opponents. Spain managed quite well, arranging friendlies against Serbia national football team and Egypt national football team. Argentina, however, had far fewer choices and ultimately accepted a match against a clearly weaker opponent.

Mauritania currently sits 115th in the FIFA rankings, and their last win came against Togo national football team in September. That was also their only victory in World Cup qualifying, where they finished second from bottom in their group with seven points from ten matches. In recent years, their most recognizable name has been Aboubakar Kamara, formerly of Fulham, although he is no longer part of the national team. At present, the standout player is Aboubakary Koita, who plays for AEK Athens. According to Argentine media, the federation was also working on arranging another friendly, with negotiations reportedly ongoing with Guinea-Bissau national football team, currently ranked 133rd in the world. In the end, they choose Zambia and will play them on March 31st.

Originally, Lionel Scaloni’s team was supposed to face Spain on March 27 as part of a football festival in Doha. However, due to the conflict in the Middle East and security concerns, the match had to be relocated. Options like London, Paris, and Miami were considered, while Spain proposed hosting it at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium—something Argentina rejected. With no agreement reached, the match was ultimately canceled. Scaloni announced a 28-player squad on Wednesday and added two more names on Thursday: Franco Mastantuono from Real Madrid and Joaquín Panichelli from Strasbourg.