Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni to stay after 2026 World Cup final loss, AFA chief Claudio Tapia backs him FAST-MOVING
Argentina lost 1‑0 to Spain after extra time in the 2026 World Cup final held in East Rutherford, New Jersey. In the aftermath, AFA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia told TyC Sports that his “plan A, plan B and plan C is Scaloni”, saying there is no other candidate being considered for the national team’s head coach. Tapia added that he wants the coach to remain, that the AFA board supports the decision, and that he hopes to stay president through the 2030 World Cup.
Lionel Scaloni later confirmed he will continue as Argentina’s coach until his contract expires in December 2026 and dismissed rumours of internal disputes within the squad. He also noted that captain Lionel Messi, now 39, scored eight goals in the tournament.
Tapia’s remarks emphasize continuity of the coaching project that delivered the 2022 World Cup title, the 2021 and 2024 Copa América trophies and the 2022 Finalissima, while rejecting any search for a replacement.
Entities: Argentina national football team · Association of Argentine Football (AFA) · Claudio Tapia · Inter Miami · Lionel Messi · Lionel Scaloni · Matías Almeyda · Monterrey · Spain national football team
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 11 SOURCES] Claudio Tapia said his plan A, B and C is Lionel Scaloni for the national team coach position. (multiple)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The 2026 World Cup final was held in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA. (de41517a-1304-428f-a39d-835afa3b88b0, 08f2c760-621f-4595-a7c9-2739fa7bf5de)
- [● 11 SOURCES] Tapia expressed his desire to stay AFA president through the 2030 World Cup. (multiple)
- [DISPUTED] Argentina lost 1‑0 to Spain after extra time in the 2026 World Cup final. (de41517a-1304-428f-a39d-835afa3b88b0, 687df8ea-aa4d-4391-9423-8d585456787e, 08f2c760-621f-4595-a7c9-2739fa7bf5de, 972222)
- [● 11 SOURCES] Tapia said there are no alternative candidates being considered for the Argentina coach role. (multiple)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Scaloni dismissed rumors of internal conflicts within the squad. (de41517a-1304-428f-a39d-835afa3b88b0)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Lionel Scaloni confirmed he will remain as Argentina coach until December 2026. (de41517a-1304-428f-a39d-835afa3b88b0)
- [DISPUTED] Lionel Messi, aged 39, scored eight goals in the 2026 World Cup. (de41517a-1304-428f-a39d-835afa3b88b0)