FIFA World Cup 2026: Scaloni has reached verbal agreement to extend stay as Argentina coach, says report
Missouri, June 29
Lionel Scaloni is set to continue his spell as Argentina head coach after reportedly agreeing verbally to stay in charge until 2031, as per Goal.com.
Scaloni, the 2022 FIFA World Cup-winning coach, is currently in charge of the Argentina team as they prepare for their 2026 World Cup knockout match against Cape Verde in Miami.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) wants Lionel Scaloni to continue as national team coach for as long as possible, with talks held between his representatives and AFA officials before the World Cup in the United States. These discussions have led to a verbal agreement for Scaloni to remain in charge until 2031.
"Until they landed in the United States, there were meetings between Scaloni's representation and AFA," Goal.com quoted journalist Diego Monroig as saying on ESPN Mundial.
"The AFA's position is that Scaloni should stay for life. I investigated, gathered information, and I am in a position to state now that the Argentine National Team and Scaloni landed at the World Cup with a verbal agreement between the coach and the AFA for Scaloni to continue as coach until 2031," the journalist said further.
Despite the reported verbal agreement, Scaloni wants to keep the focus on Argentina's World Cup campaign and has asked that discussions about his future be postponed until after the tournament. Formal talks on his contract extension are expected to resume once the World Cup concludes.
"Now the coach wants to be focused on the competition, he does not want anything at all to be said about his continuity. But after the World Cup, they will have contact again regarding that verbal agreement that excites and leaves the AFA at peace," Monroig said.
Under Scaloni, Argentina have bagged three out of three wins to top Group J in the FIFA World Cup 2026. They will face Egypt in their Round of 32 clash on July 3 (local time).
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good for Argentina, but I hope the AFA doesn't get complacent. Scaloni is a great coach, but contracts are meant to be signed, not just spoken about verbally. Let's see if the paper follows.
Scaloni is literally the Messi of coaches for Argentina. From being an assistant to winning the World Cup and now this extension - what a journey! Indian football needs such stability too. 👏
While I respect Scaloni's achievements, I wonder if keeping the same coach for too long can lead to stagnation. Argentina has a deep talent pool, and fresh ideas might help. But for now, he's earned the trust.
Argentina's success under Scaloni shows the power of believing in a coach's vision. Wish our Indian Super League clubs showed this kind of patience with their managers! #BlueTigers
Scaloni's focus on the World Cup first is admirable. A true professional who puts the team ahead of personal contracts. Let's see if Argentina can repeat their magic in 2026! 🇦🇷🔥
I'm a bit skeptical about "lifetime" commitments in football. Coaches come and go, and results can change quickly.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.