The Finalissima is one of international football’s most exciting intercontinental showdowns, bringing together champions from Europe and South America in a single, high-stakes clash. As anticipation builds whenever the tournament is announced, fans around the world eagerly ask the same question: When is the Finalissima? The answer depends on the international football calendar and qualifying tournaments, but its scheduling follows a clear structure tied to major continental competitions.
TLDR: The Finalissima is typically held the year after both the UEFA European Championship and the Copa América conclude. It features the reigning champions of Europe and South America in a one-off match. The most recent edition took place in June 2022, and the next one is expected in 2025, though official confirmation depends on the tournament cycle. Dates are coordinated with the international FIFA calendar to accommodate players and clubs.
What Is the Finalissima?
The Finalissima is an intercontinental cup match contested between:
- The winner of the UEFA European Championship (EURO)
- The winner of the Copa América
Organized jointly by UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) and CONMEBOL (South American Football Confederation), the Finalissima symbolizes renewed cooperation between the two confederations and showcases elite international football outside of the FIFA World Cup.
The concept isn’t entirely new. The competition originally existed as the Artemio Franchi Cup, held only twice:
- 1985 – France vs Uruguay
- 1993 – Argentina vs Denmark
After nearly three decades of dormancy, the tournament was revived in 2022 under the new name Finalissima, meaning “grand final” in Italian.
When Was the Most Recent Finalissima?
The modern era of the Finalissima kicked off on June 1, 2022, at Wembley Stadium in London. The match featured:
- Italy (UEFA EURO 2020 champions)
- Argentina (Copa América 2021 champions)
Argentina delivered a dominant performance, winning 3–0. The match drew global attention, not only because of the quality of play but also because it marked a historic moment of renewed cooperation between Europe and South America.
That date—June 2022—offers an important clue about when the Finalissima is typically staged.
How Is the Date Determined?
The Finalissima does not occur on a fixed annual schedule. Instead, its timing is tied to the completion of these two major tournaments:
- The UEFA European Championship (held every four years)
- The Copa América (traditionally every four years, though historically more flexible)
Because both continental championships usually take place in the same year, the Finalissima is scheduled in the following year during an available international window.
Why the delay?
- Players need recovery time after international tournaments.
- Club schedules must be accommodated.
- Stadium arrangements and marketing preparations require coordination.
For example:
- EURO 2020 (played in 2021 due to global disruptions)
- Copa América 2021
- Finalissima – June 1, 2022
So, When Is the Next Finalissima?
The most recent continental tournaments occurred in:
- UEFA EURO 2024
- Copa América 2024
Following the established pattern, the next Finalissima is expected to take place in 2025.
While UEFA and CONMEBOL typically confirm the official date later, the match will most likely occur:
- During a FIFA international match window
- In late spring or early summer (May or June)
This scheduling ensures maximum availability of star players and avoids direct conflicts with domestic league seasons and major club competitions.
Image not found in postmetaWhere Is the Finalissima Played?
Another key question tied to “When is the Finalissima?” is where it will be hosted. The venue is not fixed and can vary depending on agreements between UEFA and CONMEBOL.
The 2022 edition was held in London, England, at Wembley Stadium. Future editions could potentially:
- Rotate between European and South American host nations
- Be staged at a neutral global venue
- Align with broader partnership agreements between confederations
Venue announcements often come simultaneously with date confirmations.
Why the Finalissima Matters
Although it is a single-match competition, the Finalissima carries significant prestige. It effectively answers the question:
Who is stronger right now—Europe or South America?
Historically, these two continents have dominated the FIFA World Cup. By bringing their champions together, the Finalissima creates:
- Elite-level tactical matchups
- Continental pride and rivalry
- A competitive test ahead of the next World Cup
For players, it offers a rare chance to win an intercontinental trophy outside FIFA-organized events.
How Often Will the Finalissima Be Played?
Current agreements between UEFA and CONMEBOL suggest that the Finalissima will coincide with the four-year cycle of EURO and Copa América tournaments.
This means we can reasonably expect it to take place:
- Once every four years
- The year following major continental championships
If the structure holds, projected future editions might look like:
- 2025
- 2029
- 2033
Of course, adjustments could occur based on changes to the international football calendar.
How the International Calendar Affects the Date
The global football calendar is complex. Several elements influence when the Finalissima can realistically be played:
- FIFA match windows – Official periods when clubs must release players
- Domestic league schedules – Especially in Europe and South America
- Club competitions – Champions League, Copa Libertadores
- World Cup qualifiers
With the football season already densely packed, scheduling flexibility is limited. That’s why the match typically falls in early summer, once domestic competitions conclude.
Could the Date Ever Change?
Yes. Several factors could shift the timing:
- Global events affecting tournament calendars
- Expansion of Copa América or UEFA EURO formats
- International club competitions demanding more space
- Major World Cup scheduling changes
For example, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was held in November and December instead of its traditional summer slot, reshaping global football scheduling. Situations like this could impact future Finalissima dates.
What Makes the Finalissima Unique?
Unlike friendly matches between continents, the Finalissima is fully competitive and comes with an official trophy. It offers:
- High intensity – National pride is on the line
- Elite quality – Only continental champions qualify
- Global viewership
The 2022 edition demonstrated how seriously teams treat it. Argentina celebrated the victory with full honors, adding it to an already historic era for the national team.
How to Stay Updated on the Exact Date
If you want the confirmed date for the next Finalissima, monitor announcements from:
- UEFA’s official website
- CONMEBOL’s official channels
- FIFA’s international match calendar updates
Typically, details are released several months in advance to allow for ticket sales and broadcasting arrangements.
Final Thoughts
So, when is the Finalissima? In simple terms, it is staged the year following the UEFA European Championship and Copa América, usually in late spring or early summer. With EURO 2024 and Copa América 2024 completed, the next edition is expected in 2025, pending official confirmation.
The Finalissima may be just one match, but it carries enormous symbolic weight. It brings together continents, reignites classic football rivalries, and gives fans a rare spectacle between two championship-caliber national teams. Whether you follow European football, South American passion, or both, the next Finalissima promises to be a date worth marking on your calendar.