Scaloni Nears Verbal Extension to Guide Argentina into 2030 World Cup
Verbal agreement reached to keep Lionel Scaloni at the helm until 2030
Argentina’s football federation (AFA) and head coach Lionel Scaloni have reportedly sealed a verbal pact that would see the manager remain in charge through the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The discussion started as soon as Scaloni returned to the country for the September‑October international window, and sources say an understanding was reached on Wednesday. While no written contract has been signed yet, an official announcement is expected in the coming days or possibly during the November international break.
Why the AFA wants Scaloni for the next decade
The governing body is aiming to give Scaloni a clear mandate to lead the national side up to the centenary edition of the World Cup, which will be co‑hosted by Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. Extending his tenure would also allow him to oversee a third World Cup campaign – after guiding the Albiceleste to glory in Qatar 2022 and preparing the squad for the 2026 tournament in North America.
Scaloni’s record since taking over
Since being appointed interim manager in September 2018, Scaloni has overseen 105 matches for Argentina. His tenure has produced 81 victories, 14 draws and only 10 defeats. The trophy cabinet has grown with four major titles:
- Copa América 2021
- Copa América 2024
- Finalissima 2022
- FIFA World Cup 2022
These achievements have cemented his reputation as one of the most successful Argentine coaches of the modern era.
Looking beyond Lionel Messi
Following Lionel Messi’s farewell match against Benin, Scaloni hinted at his willingness to continue, stating that, if circumstances allowed, he would stay on as coach. The upcoming contract extension will task him with rebuilding a squad now that the captain has retired. The immediate focus will be on identifying a new core of players, establishing a tactical identity and preparing the team for the 2028 Copa América – the first major competition without Messi.
First tests in the post‑Messi era
Argentina’s next two fixtures, scheduled for the November FIFA window, will serve as the first real assessment of Scaloni’s new options. The Albiceleste will face Uruguay on 13 November in Buenos Aires, followed by a clash with Costa Rica on 17 November in Córdoba. Both matches will be the coach’s first opportunities to experiment without the Argentine legend on the pitch.
2030 World Cup – already qualified, but still playing qualifiers
As hosts for the centennial World Cup, Argentina is automatically qualified, sharing the spotlight with co‑hosts Paraguay and Uruguay. Nevertheless, the AFA has decided that the national team will participate in the South American qualifying rounds as a wildcard entry. This approach will provide Scaloni with a series of competitive games to fine‑tune his rebuilt side ahead of the tournament.
What the extension means for Argentine football
With the contract situation nearing resolution, Scaloni will have the security to plan long‑term projects, nurture emerging talents and shape a generation that can carry on the legacy of the 2022 world champions. The upcoming months will be crucial as he balances the immediate demands of friendlies and qualifiers with the broader objective of delivering a competitive squad for the 2028 Copa América and the historic 2030 World Cup.
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