Argentina to play Mauritania in World Cup tune-up in place of Finalissima

[p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/argentina/f9OppQjp/"]Argentina[/a] had been due ‌to play [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/spain/bLyo6mco/"]Spain[/a] in the 'Finalissima' ‌in Qatar, but the game was ‌cancelled due to the conflict in the Middle East.[/p][p][b]"The ‌national team will play a ⁠friendly ‌against [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/mauritania/Q5QPxhPn/"]Mauritania[/a] as the squad begins ​its farewell to fans before departing to defend ​its World Cup title," [/b]the AFA said in a statement.[/p][p]The ⁠match ​will be played at Boca Juniors' La Bombonera stadium [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/argentina-f9OppQjp/mauritania-Q5QPxhPn/?mid=xxwZiuZQ"]on March 27th.[/a] Mauritania had been ‌scheduled to face Palestine in Morocco, but that game was also cancelled due to the conflict.[/p][embed guid="f9f9c7d7-ea6d-4fe9-9074-a20856928f15" url="https://x.com/Argentina/status/2035038816059211863" social-type="twitter" /][p]Argentina had planned a friendly against [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/guatemala/8KhCLQs3/"]Guatemala[/a] on March 31st, but that match was cancelled after failing to ‌receive FIFA approval because Guatemala ​were already scheduled to ‌face [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/algeria/nc87N1BR/"]Algeria[/a] in Italy.[/p][p]Argentina begin their World Cup title defence on June 16th against Algeria.[/p]