The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has announced ongoing negotiations with Lionel Scaloni regarding a new contract, confirming earlier reports regarding the federation’s intention to extend the coach’s tenure past the end of his current agreement in December 2026. Recent updates suggest that the new deal could last until the 2028 Copa América, with an option to continue through the 2030 World Cup cycle.
Scaloni has been at the helm of the Argentine national team since 2018 and has played a pivotal role in the squad’s most prosperous era. The AFA’s account of his leadership points to four major championships: the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup, and the upcoming 2024 Copa América.
The proposed contract extension aims to ensure stability as Argentina embarks on a new international cycle post-2026 World Cup. Reports indicate that the structure involves a two-year extension until 2028, with an additional option for two more years through 2030, rather than a single four-year agreement from the start.
This aspect is significant given that Scaloni’s existing contract is set to conclude in December. After Argentina’s defeat in the 2026 World Cup final, Scaloni expressed his intent to fulfill the current year before engaging in discussions about his future with AFA president Claudio Tapia. Progress has been made in negotiations since then.
This potential extension arrives at a crucial time for Argentina, as the national team begins to welcome a new generation of players following Lionel Messi’s retirement from international play. Scaloni has emphasized the importance of providing younger players with opportunities and is focused on shaping the next chapter of the team.
The AFA aims to sustain the continuity of a project that has thrived over the past eight years, bringing home multiple international titles. While final details remain to be addressed, negotiations are advancing, and the prospects for Scaloni beyond 2026 are becoming clearer.
