The key facts

  • Scaloni has led the national team since September 2018 and won the 2022 World Cup, two Copa América titles and the Finalissima with it
  • The contract runs until the 2030 World Cup, which will be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco
  • The extension was announced one day before a friendly match against Uruguay

Scaloni will remain at the helm of the national team until 2030

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced the extension of national team head coach Lionel Scaloni's contract until 2030. AFA president Claudio Tapia made the announcement together with Scaloni at a press conference at the Lionel Messi training complex in Ezeiza, one day before a friendly match against Uruguay. Previously, the 48-year-old coach's agreement was set to expire in December, and after Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final in July, he had expressed doubts about his future.

Track record and a new stage

Scaloni took charge of the team in September 2018, initially serving as interim coach after Jorge Sampaoli's departure. Under his leadership, Argentina won the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles, the 2022 Finalissima against Italy, and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, ending a 36-year wait for football's main trophy. At the 2026 tournament, the team beat England 2:1 in the semifinal but lost 0:1 to Spain in the decisive match. AFA also highlighted the team's reaching the semifinals of five consecutive tournaments — two World Cups and three Copa América editions.

Context of the extension

The extension means that Scaloni and his staff will work until the 2030 World Cup, which will be hosted primarily by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with several opening matches to be held in South America. The coach himself said he was glad to continue his work and retained the same motivation as at the start of his journey. The agreement was concluded after Lionel Messi ended his national team career in October — meaning Scaloni will build the team of the new stage without its long-time captain. In the upcoming matches of the year, Argentina will play Uruguay, and on November 17 — Costa Rica.