RCD Mallorca will be the opponent of Lionel Scaloni's Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final, according to the draw held this Thursday. The match will take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
RCD Mallorca will face the Argentine national team led by Lionel Scaloni in the final of the 2026 World Cup. The draw, held this Thursday at FIFA's headquarters in Zurich, resulted in this unprecedented matchup that has sparked euphoria on the island. The match will be played on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which has a capacity of 82,500 spectators.
A Dream Opponent for Mallorca's History
For RCD Mallorca, reaching a World Cup final is an unprecedented milestone. The red-and-black team, which had never before advanced past the round of 16, has completed a historic campaign led by their coach Jagoba Arrasate. The squad, featuring players like Vedat Muriqi and Dani Rodríguez, has demonstrated solid and effective play. The Mallorca fans are already dreaming of bringing the Cup to the island.
Argentina, for its part, arrives as the reigning world champion after winning in Qatar 2022. Under Scaloni's leadership, the albiceleste team has maintained a high level, with Lionel Messi as the undisputed star. However, Mallorca is not intimidated: “We know they are the best team in the world, but we have our weapons,” Arrasate stated at a press conference.
The Messi Factor and Generational Change
The presence of Messi, who will be 39 in 2026, is one of the major attractions of the final. The Argentine star, who has already announced that this will be his last World Cup, will be seeking his second consecutive title. But Mallorca relies on defensive solidity and strategy to stop him. “We are not going to change our style for one player, no matter how good he is,” said captain Raíllo.
Scaloni, who has managed 103 matches with Argentina (76 wins, 18 draws, and 9 losses), has successfully managed a generational change. He has given debuts to 65 players in nearly eight years, maintaining competitiveness. The Pujato coach has been key in creating a united and resilient group, as demonstrated in the 2024 Copa América. “We are facing a team that plays very well, but we are prepared,” Scaloni said in the lead-up.
A Final with a Taste of Revenge
This is not the first time Mallorca has crossed paths with Argentina in an international tournament. In the group stage of the 2024 Club World Cup, the Balearic team already faced an Argentine side (Boca Juniors) and won 2-1. That precedent fuels the hopes of Mallorca fans, who have already begun planning their trip to the United States. “We are going to fill New Jersey with red and black,” promised the Mallorca supporters on social media.
The final will also have an emotional component: it will be Scaloni's 104th match in charge of the national team and Messi's last with the albiceleste. For Mallorca, it is the opportunity to write the most glorious page in their history. The match will take place at 21:00 local time (3:00 on July 20 in Mallorca).
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