Argentina extends contract with coach Lionel Scaloni until 2030

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced on Thursday, November 12, 2026, the renewal of coach Lionel Scaloni's contract until the end of 2030. The agreement, confirmed by the organization's president, Claudio Tapia, ensures the coach will remain at the helm of the national team for the next World Cup cycle, which will be hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. The announcement was made during a press conference at the team's training center on the eve of the friendly match against Uruguay, scheduled for Friday, November 13, 2026, at La Bombonera. Scaloni, who took the position in 2018, highlighted that the decision to continue came after a period of personal and professional reflection. The coach mentioned the need to recharge after the defeat in the 2026 World Cup final, held in the United States against Spain, and the challenge of leading the team following the recent retirement of Lionel Messi. According to the coach, the focus will now be on integrating new talent from the youth ranks into the senior squad. Under Scaloni's leadership, Argentina ended a 36-year drought without a world title by winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. In addition to the world title, the coach won two editions of the Copa América (2021 and 2024) and the 2022 Finalissima.