What Does Argentina Gain From Facing Mauritania Before the World Cup?
Argentina will face Mauritania at La Bombonera ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Ranked 115th in FIFA and with no World Cup history, the match raises a key question: what can the Scaloneta really gain from this friendly?
What does Argentina gain from playing Mauritania?
The Argentina national team already has its next opponent confirmed for one of its final matches before the 2026 World Cup: Mauritania, a side currently ranked 115th in the FIFA world rankings and one that has never played in a World Cup. The match will take place on March 27 at La Bombonera.
At first glance, the matchup raises more questions than excitement. What can Argentina really gain from facing a team that, on paper, does not represent real competition? The answer has several layers, ranging from sporting preparation to strategic planning.
The friendly emerged as a last-minute solution within an international window in which Lionel Scaloni’s team needed competitive minutes ahead of the World Cup.
Still, the level of the opponent inevitably fuels debate.
Mauritania: a team without World Cup history
To understand the gap between the two sides, it is important to look at the football history of Argentina’s opponent. Mauritania, a country in northwest Africa with just over five million inhabitants, has never qualified for a World Cup.
Its football development has been gradual. The country joined FIFA in the 1960s and played its first official match in 1961, but for decades it was considered one of the weakest national teams in the world.
In fact, according to historical FIFA ranking records, Mauritania dropped to 206th place in the world in 2013, placing it among the five lowest-ranked national teams on the planet at the time.
Its greatest achievements have come only recently. The team managed to qualify for three consecutive Africa Cup of Nations tournaments: 2019, 2021 and 2023. In the most recent edition, Mauritania even reached the Round of 16, the best result in its history.
What Argentina is really looking for in this friendly
So if the opponent does not represent a major sporting challenge, why play this match?
The answer lies in preparation. For Lionel Scaloni, the game provides an opportunity to test tactical variations, rotate players, and give minutes to footballers fighting for a spot in the World Cup squad.
The friendly also serves as a symbolic farewell in front of Argentine fans before the team travels to the World Cup. Playing at La Bombonera ensures a special atmosphere for the Scaloneta and one final connection with supporters at home.
Another factor is rhythm. Avoiding a lack of competitive action before a major tournament is crucial, and even matches against weaker opponents can help maintain the team’s competitive edge.
From Mauritania’s perspective, however, the significance of the match is entirely different. As voices close to the country’s football scene have noted, facing Argentina and global stars like Lionel Messi represents a worldwide showcase and a rare opportunity to learn from one of the most successful teams in football.
For Argentina, it will be a rehearsal. For Mauritania, it could be one of the most important matches in its modern history.
The real question remains: will a rival of this level be enough preparation for Argentina ahead of the World Cup challenge?
