Scaloni says Argentina among ‘10 or 12’ teams challenging for World Cup title

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni is seeking to play down his team's status as favourites, saying the reigning world champions are among the "10 or 12" sides that will be "competing and trying to reach the final" of the 2026 World Cup.

In an interview with Argentine sports outlet Olé published on Tuesday, Scaloni said that La Albiceleste arrive at the tournament "in good shape" and identified the national teams he considers strongest and reflected on the responsibility that comes with his role.

"Spain, France, Portugal, England, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay. Well, Argentina, Morocco; I don't even know how many I've named already, and I'm forgetting some. Croatia! I forgot Croatia!" the 48-year-old coach listed.

He then warned that at a World Cup, "it's not enough simply to play well, to dominate matches, or to be a major national team." Instead, "a whole series of factors have to come together to make the path easier for you."

As an example, Scaloni recalled the "obstacles along the way" that Argentina faced before becoming world champions in Qatar 2022, including the shock 2–1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening match.

"Fortunately, we have a core group of players – I'd say 60 or 70 pr cent of the squad – who have been together throughout this cycle," Scaloni said.

With only limited preparation time available at a World Cup, Scaloni believes it helps that the players know one another well and understand exactly what the coaching staff expect from them.

Seventeen members of Argentina's World Cup-winning squad from Qatar 2022 will once again represent the country at the tournament being held across North America from June 11 to July 19.

During the interview, Scaloni also spoke about the emotional toll of "knowing that an entire country" is focused on the national team, recalling that he suffered health issues following the triumph in Qatar in 2022.

"I tried to carry on as normal. I tried to be open with everyone, greet everyone, but there comes a point when it all overwhelms you. You simply can't keep going because your body tells you it's had enough," he said.

Argentina, who have been drawn in Group J, will begin their title defence against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City. Austria and Jordan complete the group.

– TIMES/AFP