Mauritania, a largely desert nation with a modest footballing pedigree, is set to face world champions Argentina in an international friendly on 28 March (Bangladesh time). While the fixture may appear one-sided on paper, it represents a significant milestone for a country still striving to establish itself in global football.
Mauritania’s national team first took to the pitch in April 1963, three years after gaining independence from France. Their debut ended in a heavy 6–0 defeat to Congo, reflecting the challenges faced by a fledgling football nation. Since joining FIFA in 1970, Mauritania have remained on the periphery of international football, yet gradual progress has been evident in recent years.
The team entered World Cup qualification for the first time in 1978—the very tournament Argentina won to claim their maiden world title. Despite participating in 13 qualification campaigns since, Mauritania have never reached the finals. In the ongoing qualification cycle for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, they finished fifth in a six-team Group B, registering one win, four draws and five defeats.
Mauritania: 2026 World Cup Qualifying Record
| Category | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 10 |
| Wins | 1 |
| Draws | 4 |
| Losses | 5 |
| Group Position | 5th |
| FIFA Ranking | 115th |
| Best FIFA Ranking | 81st (2017) |
In stark contrast, Argentina currently sit second in the FIFA rankings, underlining the gulf in class. The encounter could justifiably be described as a classic ‘David versus Goliath’ contest.
Nicknamed the “Lions of Chinguetti”, after the ancient UNESCO-listed city of Chinguetti, Mauritania have made three appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations (2019, 2021 and 2023). However, they failed to qualify for the most recent edition, highlighting their inconsistency at the continental level.
The team is now under the guidance of Spanish coach Aritz López Garai, appointed in 2024. Born in the Basque region, Garai has sought to introduce greater tactical discipline and international exposure. For the current FIFA window, Mauritania will also face Palestine in Morocco on 31 March.
Garai has named a 26-man squad, half of whom are based in European clubs. While none play for elite sides, several names stand out. Aboubakary Koïta, who features in Greece, and Rangers winger Pape Ibnou Ba (often referred to as Gassama in some reports) are among the more recognisable players. Gassama is currently the most valuable player in the squad, with an estimated market value of around €7 million.
Another notable inclusion is central defender Jordan Lefort, born in France but eligible through family ties. He is expected to make his international debut during this window.
Speaking to media outlets, Garai emphasised the symbolic importance of facing Argentina. He noted that Mauritania is a small footballing nation where desert landscapes far outnumber stadiums, yet the passion for the game remains strong. For players and supporters alike, this match is seen as a rare and unforgettable opportunity.
A Familiar Opponent for Scaloni
Interestingly, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has faced Mauritania before. His managerial debut came in August 2018 with Argentina’s under-20 side at the L’Alcúdia Tournament in Spain—against Mauritania. Argentina won 2–0 and went on to lift the title.
As the senior teams prepare to meet once again, the disparity in quality is clear. Yet for Mauritania, the match is less about the result and more about growth, exposure and pride on the international stage.