BUENOS AIRES, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Argentina will meet Mauritania in a home friendly later this month as part of its preparations for the FIFA World Cup, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) said on Friday.

The match will be played on March 27 at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires, providing a final opportunity for Albiceleste manager Lionel Scaloni to test his players before finalizing his World Cup squad.

"The national team will play a friendly against Mauritania as the squad begins its farewell to fans before departing to defend its World Cup title," read an AFA statement.

Argentina had been due to face Spain in the "Finalissima" in Qatar on March 27 but the match was cancelled due to the conflict in the Middle East. Mauritania became available after its scheduled friendly against Palestine in Morocco was also called off.

The announcement came after Argentina's planned friendly with Guatemala on March 31 failed to receive FIFA approval due to a scheduling clash.

The Albiceleste is expected to play two more friendlies in early June before the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The reigning champion will open its campaign against Algeria on June 16 before also facing Austria and Jordan in the group stage. ■