The Argentine National Team has finalized its schedule for the upcoming March international window, with two matches to be played in Buenos Aires that will mark the team's farewell before the 2026 World Cup. The team managed by Lionel Scaloni will face Mauritania and Zambia, after the second opponent was changed.

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The change came after the previously agreed friendly against Guatemala could not be played. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) officially announced this Friday that Zambia will take that place at the end of the FIFA international break.

The first match will be on Friday, March 27, against Mauritania. Four days later, on Tuesday the 31st, Argentina will face Zambia. Both matches will be played at La Bombonera and will kick off at 8:15 pm

The schedule represents an alternative after the cancellation of the Finalissima against Spain, which was initially one of the team's key matches.

Schedule adjustments and preparations for the World Cup

The change of opponent is due to a regulatory restriction. According to the AFA, Guatemala was unable to play the match because they had another game scheduled against Algeria in Genoa during the same FIFA window, which prevented them from playing in another continent during that period. The AFA also expressed their gratitude to the Guatemalan federation for their willingness to arrange the friendly, although the option ultimately fell through. On the sporting front, Argentina will face two African teams ranked lower in the FIFA rankings. Mauritania is ranked 115th, while Zambia is 91st. These matches will serve as preparation for Scaloni's team in the lead-up to the World Cup. The squad will begin their training camp in the coming days. Once released by their clubs, the players called up will arrive in the country between the weekend and the beginning of next week to train at the Ezeiza complex under the guidance of the coaching staff. AFA President Claudio Tapia also spoke about the organization of these matches and highlighted the importance of the chosen stadium.“I want to thank Juan Roman Riquelme for making La Bombonera available and allowing the Argentine people to say goodbye to the Albiceleste before they travel to the World Cup,” he stated. He added: “Let's all cheer on our National Team!” The AFA also announced that ticket prices will be revealed this Saturday, while sales will begin on Monday, in what will be one of the last opportunities to see the team at home before they defend their World Cup title.