BUENOS AIRES, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Argentina will face Guatemala in a home friendly later this month as it steps up preparations for this year's FIFA World Cup, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) said on Tuesday.

The announcement follows the cancellation of the "Finalissima" against Spain due to the conflict in the Middle East.

The friendly will be played on March 31 with a venue to be confirmed in the coming days, the AFA said.

It is Argentina's only scheduled fixture ahead of 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.

Argentina qualified for the Finalissima as Copa America champion while Spain earned its place as last year's UEFA Champions League winner. The match had been scheduled for March 27 in Lusail, Qatar. ■