Claudio Tapia backs Infantino, vows to stay as AFA chief until 2030 and backs Scaloni

Claudio Tapia Gianni Infantino Lionel Scaloni 2030 World Cup AFA presidency

AFA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia publicly endorsed Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain FIFA president and said the organization will continue to work under his leadership. Tapia also confirmed he intends to remain at the head of the Argentine Football Association through the 2030 World Cup, the tournament Argentina hopes to co‑host.

Tapia reiterated that his “plan A, B and C” is the continuation of Lionel Scaloni as national team coach, stating there are no alternative candidates and that any decision will rest with Scaloni. He denied any FIFA sanction over the Malvinas flag displayed after Argentina’s semifinal win in the 2026 World Cup. Tapia is also pushing for Argentina to host a full group‑stage of the 2030 World Cup, which would require the competition to expand to 64 teams.

The coach’s contract runs until December 2026, and after Argentina’s 1‑0 loss to Spain in the 2026 final, Tapia said the federation’s focus is on the next cycle, including the 2028 Copa América and the 2030 World Cup.

Entities

Argentina national football team · Argentine Football Association · Association of Argentine Football (AFA) · Claudio Tapia · FIFA · Gianni Infantino · Inter Miami · Lionel Messi · Lionel Scaloni · Matías Almeyda · Monterrey · Spain national football team

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 14 SOURCES] Claudio Tapia said his plan A, B and C is Lionel Scaloni for the national team coach position. www.diarioelzondasj.com.ar · infoarenales.com · www.lagaceta.com.ar · studiofutbol.com.ec · www.dobleamarilla.com.ar · +5 more
[● 2 SOURCES] The 2026 World Cup final was held in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA. www.elcomercioonline.com.ar
[● 12 SOURCES] Tapia expressed his desire to stay AFA president through the 2030 World Cup. www.diarioelzondasj.com.ar · infoarenales.com · www.lagaceta.com.ar · studiofutbol.com.ec · www.dobleamarilla.com.ar · +5 more
[● 7 SOURCES] Argentina lost 1‑0 to Spain after extra time in the 2026 World Cup final. www.elcomercioonline.com.ar · www.latimes.com · www.rionegro.com.ar · www.somosjujuy.com.ar · mendoza24.com.ar
[● 11 SOURCES] Tapia said there are no alternative candidates being considered for the Argentina coach role. www.diarioelzondasj.com.ar · infoarenales.com · www.lagaceta.com.ar · studiofutbol.com.ec · www.dobleamarilla.com.ar · +4 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] Scaloni dismissed rumors of internal conflicts within the squad. www.elcomercioonline.com.ar
[● 4 SOURCES] Lionel Messi scored eight goals in the 2026 World Cup. www.elcomercioonline.com.ar · worldsoccertalk.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Lionel Scaloni confirmed he will remain as Argentina coach until December 2026. www.elcomercioonline.com.ar
[● 2 SOURCES] Argentina aims to host a full group stage of the 2030 World Cup. mendoza24.com.ar
[● 2 SOURCES] Claudio Tapia wants to be president of the 2030 World Cup. mendoza24.com.ar
[● 3 SOURCES] FIFA did not sanction Argentina over the Malvinas flag displayed after the 2026 World Cup semifinal. labandadiario.com · infoarenales.com · www.somosjujuy.com.ar
[● 3 SOURCES] Lionel Scaloni's contract expires in December 2026. worldsoccertalk.com · www.santotomealdia.com.ar