The March FIFA window was a massive success for Les Bleus. France faced two high-caliber opponents and emerged victorious in both, defeating Brazil and Colombia. These wins provided a significant points boost, allowing them to leapfrog both Spain and Argentina in the standings.

Conversely, Luis de la Fuente’s men saw their ranking suffer. While they gained 1.94 points from a dominant 3–0 win over Serbia, the subsequent stalemate against Egypt proved costly, resulting in a loss of 2.73 points and the loss of their throne.

Argentina also enjoyed a perfect record this window, but the caliber of their opposition limited their progress. Lionel Scaloni’s men gained only 0.63 points from a 2–1 victory over Mauritania and 0.86 points from a 5–0 thrashing of Zambia. The Albiceleste, who held the top spot for much of the post-World Cup era, now sit firmly in third.

How each star performed

Mbappe proved to be the catalyst for France’s climb to the top of the FIFA rankings. The Real Madrid forward was in world-class form during the 2–1 victory over Brazil at the Gillette Stadium, where he scored the opening goal and was named Man of the Match, leading Les Bleus through their toughest test of the window.

In Argentina, Messi continued to be the heartbeat of his team during their 5–0 rout of Zambia. The captain provided the assist for Julian Alvarez’s opener before finding the net himself for the second.

In a moment that captured the headlines, Messi waived his chance to score a second from the penalty spot, instead handing the ball to Nicolas Otamendi, allowing the veteran to score in his emotional final appearance for the national team on Argentine soil.

It was a more frustrated window for Yamal and Spain. The Barcelona starlet struggled to make an impact, failing to record a goal or an assist in the 3–0 win over Serbia or the disappointing draw against Egypt.

Beyond the pitch, Yamal made waves by calling out a section of the crowd following controversial chants during the game vs Egypt, marking a difficult end to a window that saw Spain lose their world No. 1 status.

“I am Muslim,” he started. “Yesterday at the stadium, the chant ‘whoever doesn’t jump is Muslim’ could be heard. I understand it was aimed at the opposing team and not something personal against me, but as a Muslim, it is still a sign of disrespect and something unacceptable.”

He also stated that he is firmly opposed to any chants with racist undertones. “I understand that not all fans are like this, but to those who chant these things: using a religion as a punchline in a stadium makes you look ignorant and racist. Soccer is meant to be enjoyed and to support your team—not to disrespect people for who they are or what they believe.”

The fallout from his remarks was immediate. Players of the caliber of Alejandro Balde and Marc Bernal—both teammates of Yamal at Barcelona—voiced their support for his stance.

Spain set their sights on the World Cup

After wrapping up their two international friendlies, all eyes now turn to the World Cup. Spain secured a 3–0 victory over Serbia prior to their aforementioned clash with Egypt.

The Spain national football team, led by Luis de la Fuente, will be the top seed in Group H. There, it is set to face Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.

• vs Cape Verde, June 15th (Atlanta)
• vs Saudi Arabia, June 21st (Atlanta)
• vs Uruguay, June 26th (Guadalajara)

According to reports from the Egyptian team staff and Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot, the forward picked up the issue during recent club action and was immediately ruled out of international duty as a precaution.

The decision is part of a broader medical plan to avoid aggravating the problem ahead of a crucial period in both club and national team schedules. Egypt lose their leadership presence and the most dangerous goal threat.

How and when did Mohamed Salah get injured?

Mohamed Salah suffered a minor muscle injury during Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League match against Galatasaray on March 18, 2026, after feeling discomfort in the second half and requesting to be substituted.

The issue occurred at Anfield during the Round of 16 second leg, where the Egyptian forward had a standout performance but began experiencing physical discomfort after a sprinting action late in the game.

According to Liverpool manager Arne Slot, he “felt something” and immediately signaled to the bench, prompting his substitution as a precaution rather than continuing to risk further damage. The medical staff later confirmed that the problem was muscular in nature, though not considered a serious long-term injury.

Despite completing an impressive match, the knock was enough for Liverpool to rule him out of immediate fixtures, including the Premier League clash against Brighton and Egypt’s international friendly against Spain.

When could Mohamed Salah return to play?

Mohamed Salah is expected to return shortly after the international break, with a projected comeback window of around two weeks, depending on how his recovery progresses.

Early reports from Liverpool’s medical department suggest optimism, with the club targeting his availability for the FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City. Both the club and Egypt are focused on a controlled recovery plan.

Manager Arne Slot has indicated that his strong physical conditioning could allow him to recover faster than usual, but stressed that the club will not rush his return given the importance of the final stretch of the season.

If his rehabilitation continues without setbacks, he could rejoin full training almost immediately after the break, putting him in contention for Liverpool’s key upcoming fixtures across domestic and European competitions.

Spain used this friendly to keep building rhythm and to continue integrating emerging talents like Lamine Yamal with their established core ahead of the next World Cup cycle.

Egypt approached the match with a blend of experienced figures and promising newcomers. Even without Mohamed Salah, his influence remains a reference point for a squad that continues to evolve and compete at a high level.

Two World Cup-bound rivals meet in a high-profile friendly with very different goals in mind. Egypt will be without Mohamed Salah, who got hurt with Liverpool.

Spain—powered by rising star Lamine Yamal—is a title contender aiming to add another trophy to its 2010 FIFA World Cup triumph. It’s a key tune-up for both sides and a matchup fans won’t want to miss.

When will the Spain vs Egypt match be played?

Spain take on Egypt in a 2026 friendly game this Tuesday, March 31, with the match kicking off at 3:00 PM (ET). Follow our liveblog of Spain vs Egypt!

Spain vs Egypt: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:00 PM
CT: 2:00 PM
MT: 1:00 PM
PT: 12:00 PM

How to watch Spain vs Egypt in the USA

This International Friendly clash between Spain and Egypt will be available for viewers in the USA on ViX.

After the postponement of the Finalissima against Argentina, Spain pivots to a new test as it continues gearing up for the upcoming World Cup, where La Roja is widely viewed as a serious title contender. This matchup brings a different kind of challenge, with Spain looking to stay sharp and build cohesion against Serbia.

The Serbs are a nation with a proud soccer history but one currently navigating a rough stretch after a disappointing qualifying run. They enter this game eager to regroup and reset, using the opportunity to evaluate its squad and begin laying the foundation for a stronger push in future competitions.

When will the Spain vs Serbia match be played?

Spain clash with Serbia in a 2026 friendly game this Friday, March 27, with the match kicking off at 4:00 PM (ET).

Spain vs Serbia: Time by State in the USA

ET: 4:00 PM
CT: 3:00 PM
MT: 2:00 PM
PT: 1:00 PM

How to watch Spain vs Serbia in the USA

This International Friendly clash between Spain and Serbia will be available for viewers in the USA on ViX.

The showdown between the national soccer teams had originally been scheduled for March 27 at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, but that plan collapsed due to security concerns linked to the geopolitical situation in the Middle East.

What followed was weeks of failed negotiations to relocate the match. UEFA explored multiple alternatives, including hosting the game in Madrid or moving it to neutral venues, but none of the proposals were accepted by all parties.

When will the 2026 Finalissima be played?

There is no scheduled date for the 2026 Finalissima between Argentina and Spain, as the match was officially cancelled after UEFA and CONMEBOL failed to reach an agreement on a venue and calendar window.

The anticipated clash was initially expected to take place around March 27, 2026, but that plan ultimately collapsed due to logistical and security complications linked to the chosen hosting scenario in Qatar.

In the weeks leading up to the intended date, multiple alternatives were discussed — including moving the match to Europe or South America, or even staging a two-leg format — but none of the proposals received unanimous approval from all involved federations.

The organizations explored several venues, yet disagreements over location, timing and competition scheduling prevented any final agreement from being reached. As a result, UEFA formally confirmed the cancellation of the 2026 edition of the Finalissima.

With both teams now focused on their respective World Cup preparations, any possibility of rescheduling the Argentina vs Spain showdown will depend entirely on future coordination between the governing bodies.

Who was the last winner of the Finalissima?

Argentina were the last winners of the Finalissima, beating Italy 3-0 in the 2022 edition at Wembley Stadium. Led by Lionel Messi, the team lifted the trophy after a commanding performance in a match that brought back the historic intercontinental showdown between Europe and South America.

Played in London, the 2022 Finalissima marked the revival of the competition after more than two decades, replacing the old Artemio Franchi Cup format. Argentina controlled the tempo from the start and were clinical in front of goal, with Lautaro Martinez opening the scoring before Angel Di Maria and Paulo Dybala sealed the result.

That victory became a key milestone in their modern golden era, arriving just months before their 2022 World Cup triumph. Since then, the Finalissima has remained a symbolic clash between continental champions, with the 2022 edition still standing as the most recent reference point in the competition’s history.

“We are two-time Finalissima champions. They didn’t show up,” Dominguez said when asked about the situation following the 2026 Finalissima canceled, responding sharply to a journalist who described the outcome as unfortunate.

The exchange grew more pointed when the reporter suggested it would have been valuable to see the champions of Conmebol and UEFA face off. Dominguez challenged the premise before doubling down on his stance, reinforcing the narrative that Argentina’s title status remains intact despite the match never being played.

Finalissima cancellation adds tension between CONMEBOL and UEFA

The Finalissima was originally scheduled to take place at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, but regional conflicts forced organizers to reconsider both the venue and timing. Conmebol later revealed that Argentina proposed moving the match to March 31 in Italy, but UEFA considered the date unsuitable, effectively halting plans.

Spain moves on as Argentina’s status sparks debate

While uncertainty continues around a possible rescheduling, Spain has already adjusted its calendar, confirming an alternative fixture. Dominguez’s comments, however, have intensified debate, as Argentina’s claim to being recognized as two-time Finalissima champions hinges on a match that was never played. With no resolution in place, the situation leaves both sporting and political implications unresolved heading into 2026.

“Following the cancellation of the Finalissima, Lionel Scaloni’s squad will travel to the country to undergo a week of intense collective training and play a friendly match on Tuesday, the 31st, against Guatemala. The work schedule, the call-up list for this FIFA window, and the stadium will be announced in the coming days,” the AFA stated in an official release.

In the next few days, Scaloni will announce the final roster of players who will join training next week for the last FIFA window prior to the World Cup. This will be the coach’s final opportunity to evaluate the players before finalizing the 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Who could make it to the final roster?

Regarding the roster, the coach is expected to consider the players he has consistently called up recently, though some surprises—such as Joaquin Panichelli of Racing Strasbourg—could earn a spot.

One of the primary uncertainties remains the presence of Lautaro Martinez, as the Inter Milan forward continues to recover from a strain to the soleus muscle in his left calf.

Not a new opponent for Messi

This Central American side is a familiar opponent for Argentina, as this will mark their fourth head-to-head meeting. Guatemala notably served as the first opponent of the Lionel Scaloni era back in 2018, when the manager debuted with a convincing 3–0 victory—a match played without Messi on the pitch.

However, the captain has faced Guatemala on other occasions with clinical results. Prior to the 2014 World Cup, Argentina defeated them 4–0, highlighted by a Messi hat-trick. He was also a key figure in their most recent encounter in June 2024, where the Albiceleste secured another 4–1 win with a brace from Leo.

“The Spanish national team will host Serbia in an international friendly next Friday, March 27, at 9:00 PM local time,” the federation announced on its official website. The high-profile clash is set for Villarreal’s Estadio de la Ceramica, serving as a replacement for the scrapped Doha-based fixture.

With Spain entering the final stages of preparation for the 2026 World Cup, Luis de la Fuente will use the Balkan test to begin finalizing his 26-man roster.

While Argentina have yet to officially lock in a replacement for the March 27 date, rumors emerged regarding advanced talks for a pre-World Cup friendly.

Dani Carvajal targets international return

After a grueling recovery from a major knee injury sustained last year, Dani Carvajal appears poised to rejoin the national setup for the March double-header.

Having successfully integrated back into the Real Madrid rotation this winter, Carvajal is a lock for the call-up alongside fellow Merengue star Gonzalo Garcia.

Finalissima hopes fade as cancellation becomes permanent

Despite late attempts by the AFA to postpone the 2026 Finalissima to a later window, UEFA confirmed Sunday that the fixture has been officially scrapped. Disagreements over neutral venues in Europe and Argentina’s rejection of multiple alternative dates ultimately ended the possibility of the clash.

Four years after Argentina’s dominant victory over Italy in the inaugural edition, the intercontinental trophy will go unawarded this cycle.

Messi and Argentina won the last Finalissima 3-0 against Italy. However, they won’t be able to defend their crown since the Finalissima was canceled after not getting into an agreement of relocation.

Argentina are the Copa America champions, while Spain won the last Euros. It was a must-watch game, but now, all people must feel like Messi, sad and disappointed that the game won’t happen.

Argentina are trying to revalidate another crown too

The 2026 World Cup will have the Argentinians defending their crown at the biggest stage of them all. That’s the main focus of the team. After all, these are the last gasps of air of the generation that won the 2022 World Cup.

Guys like Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, Emiliano Martinez, and many others are veterans who aren’t likely to get to the 2030 edition of the tournament. Hence, it’s now or never for Argentina. That was the compelling factor of the Finalissima. Spain, on the other hand, are full of young players.

Argentina are still a powerhouse

Argentina have won two Copa America in a row and one World Cup. They also got to the 2014 World Cup final. However, since 2014, they’ve gotten to every tournament’s final except for the 2018 World Cup and 2019 Copa America. They lost the first three finals, but they’ve won every final ever since.