Argentina is scheduled to face Mauritania and Zambia in international friendly matches later this month, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed yesterday. These matches form part of the national team’s preparation ahead of the upcoming World Cup, offering both competitive practice and an opportunity to engage with local supporters.
Originally, Argentina was set to play Guatemala on 31 March in Buenos Aires under the management of Lionel Scaloni. However, according to Reuters, Guatemala already has a friendly match against Algeria in Italy on 27 March. Due to FIFA regulations prohibiting international teams from participating in simultaneous fixtures across different continents during an official FIFA window, the Argentina–Guatemala match was not approved and subsequently cancelled. Local media outlet TyC Sports also confirmed that FIFA rules do not allow teams to play in two separate continents during the same international break.
The revised schedule now sees Argentina take on Mauritania on 27 March at La Bombonera Stadium, home of Boca Juniors in Buenos Aires. The second friendly will be against Zambia at the same venue on 31 March. In an official statement, the AFA said, “Before departing to defend the World Cup title, the national team will play against Mauritania to bid farewell to our supporters.” A separate statement confirmed that Zambia will be the opponents for the second friendly.
These fixtures follow a series of disruptions in the international calendar. Scaloni’s squad had been scheduled to face Spain in a Finalissima match on 27 March, but UEFA cancelled the game due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Similarly, Mauritania’s friendly against Palestine in Morocco was also called off for the same reason.
For Argentina, these upcoming matches against African sides will mark a third consecutive friendly engagement. In November, Argentina secured a 2–0 victory over Angola. FIFA rankings indicate that Mauritania currently holds the 115th position, while Zambia is ranked 91st, providing a clear context for the competitive balance expected in these matches.
The table below summarises Argentina’s revised friendly schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Venue | FIFA Ranking | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 March | Mauritania | La Bombonera, Buenos Aires | 115 | Farewell to supporters |
| 31 March | Zambia | La Bombonera, Buenos Aires | 91 | World Cup preparation fixture |
These friendlies are particularly significant for Scaloni’s squad, allowing tactical adjustments and team cohesion to be tested under competitive conditions. Fans can expect a blend of established starters and emerging talents, ensuring Argentina heads into the World Cup campaign with both confidence and match fitness.
By facing two African teams in succession, Argentina not only strengthens its preparation but also maintains strong international relations through sport, reaffirming its commitment to both performance and global engagement.