Lionel Scaloni is set to remain Argentina’s national team coach through the 2030 FIFA World Cup after reaching an agreement with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) over a new contract.
According to Argentine journalist César Luis Merlo, the 48-year-old has accepted the federation’s proposal and is expected to sign an extension that would keep him in charge until July 2030.
The agreement represents a significant development for Argentina, which had faced uncertainty over Scaloni’s future following the 2026 World Cup.
Although the contract has not yet been formally signed, negotiations have reportedly concluded successfully, with both sides reaching an understanding over the financial terms and the duration of the agreement.
Scaloni’s current contract expires on December 31, 2026, leaving the AFA with an important decision regarding the national team’s long-term direction.
The federation has consistently regarded the coach as a central figure in its plans, particularly as Argentina prepares for another World Cup cycle.
According to reports from Argentina, the new agreement will initially run until the 2028 Copa América, with an automatic extension through the 2030 World Cup subject to the conditions agreed upon by both parties.
This arrangement would allow Scaloni to oversee the national team’s preparations for another major international tournament while maintaining continuity within the coaching staff.
A formal announcement could arrive during November’s international break, when Argentina are scheduled to play Uruguay and Costa Rica.
The agreement follows several months of uncertainty surrounding Scaloni’s position.
After Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final 1-0 to Spain following extra time, the coach publicly questioned whether he had the energy to continue leading the national team.
His comments raised concerns about a possible departure after eight years in charge.
However, discussions with AFA president Claudio Tapia helped move negotiations forward.
Scaloni subsequently acknowledged that his disappointment following the World Cup final had influenced his initial reaction and explained that he needed time to evaluate the sporting project before committing to another cycle.
He also recognized the importance of financial considerations and the possibility of assembling a competitive squad capable of challenging for major international titles.
Those conversations eventually led to the agreement reported by Merlo.
Scaloni has been responsible for one of the most successful periods in Argentina’s football history since taking charge in 2018.
Initially appointed following Jorge Sampaoli’s departure, he gradually transformed the national team into a side capable of competing against the world’s strongest opponents.
His first major international title came at the 2021 Copa América, when Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 in the final at the Maracanã Stadium.
That victory ended Argentina’s 28-year wait for a major senior international trophy and established the foundation for further success.
In 2022, Scaloni guided Argentina to victory in the Finalissima against Italy at Wembley Stadium.
Later that year, Argentina defeated France in the World Cup final in Qatar, securing the country’s third world championship and its first since 1986.
Scaloni continued his success at the 2024 Copa América, where Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 after extra time to retain the continental title.
Argentina subsequently reached another World Cup final in 2026, finishing runners-up after their defeat against Spain.
His achievements have made him one of the most successful coaches in Argentina’s history.
According to Doble Amarilla, Scaloni has overseen 107 matches since his appointment, recording 79 victories, 18 draws and 10 defeats.
He has already surpassed César Luis Menotti and Carlos Bilardo in matches managed for the national team, with Guillermo Stábile’s record of 124 games representing another milestone.
A contract extension through 2030 would give Scaloni the opportunity to surpass that figure while continuing to develop Argentina’s next generation of international players.
The next World Cup cycle will also present a significant challenge following Lionel Messi’s departure from international football.
Argentina must continue its transition while preserving the competitive standards established during Scaloni’s tenure.
The coach has already demonstrated his ability to integrate younger players into an experienced squad, and his continued involvement would provide stability during that process.
The 2030 World Cup carries additional significance for Argentina, which is scheduled to host one of the tournament’s opening centenary celebration matches.
For Scaloni, the reported agreement offers the opportunity to lead Argentina into a third consecutive World Cup campaign and continue the work that began with his appointment in 2018.
The final step is the formal signing of the contract, which would confirm his continuation as Argentina’s head coach through the next World Cup.
