As Lionel Scaloni is reportedly considering stepping down at the end of 2026, the Argentine Football Association is already weighing up his potential successors. Diego Simeone remains the AFA’s dream, but Marcelo Gallardo appears to be the most realistic option.
The future of Lionel Scaloni at the helm of the Argentine national team remains uncertain. Although under contract until December 2026, the World Cup-winning coach has reportedly signaled that he may step down at the end of his term. In response, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has already begun to scout several profiles to ensure a smooth succession.
Diego Simeone, the AFA’s dream candidate
The top choice for Argentine officials is said to be Diego Simeone. The current Atlético de Madrid manager is widely seen as the ideal candidate to take charge of the Albiceleste, thanks to his vast experience and iconic status in Argentine football.
However, reaching an agreement will be challenging. Simeone is firmly established at Atlético de Madrid, where he has coached for over a decade, making a short-term departure unlikely.
Gallardo leads the chase
If the Simeone pursuit falls through, Marcelo Gallardo emerges as the leading favorite. The former River Plate coach is viewed as a credible, more attainable option to continue Scaloni’s project.
Aimar and Pochettino also in contention
Two other tacticians are also on the AFA’s shortlist. Pablo Aimar, currently Scaloni’s assistant, represents a continuity option thanks to his deep understanding of the Argentine squad. Mauricio Pochettino, whose top-level experience is widely acknowledged, is also being considered.
🚨 𝗟’𝗔𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗖𝗜𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝟰 𝗡𝗢𝗠𝗦 𝗣𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗨𝗖𝗖𝗘́𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗔̀ 𝗟𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗟 𝗦𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗢𝗡𝗜 𝗔𝗨 𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗘 𝗗𝗘 𝗦𝗘́𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗨𝗥! 🔥👀🇦🇷 Pablo Aimar🇦🇷 Marcelo Gallardo🇦🇷 Diego Simeone 🇦🇷 Mauricio Pochettino(@JornalOGlobo) pic.twitter.com/3K6SAqguiM
— Instant Foot ⚽️ (@lnstantFoot) July 21, 2026
No official decision has been made yet, but the Argentine Federation is determined to get ahead of a potential departure by Lionel Scaloni to ensure a seamless transition at the helm of the world champions.
Piala Dunia 2026
Piala Dunia FIFA 2026 akan menjadi edisi paling revolusioner dalam sejarah sepak bola dunia. Turnamen ini untuk pertama kalinya akan diselenggarakan di tiga negara sekaligus, yaitu Amerika Serikat, Kanada, dan Meksiko. Selain itu, jumlah peserta juga meningkat dari 32 menjadi 48 tim, membuka peluang lebih besar bagi negara-negara dari berbagai konfederasi untuk tampil di panggung global. Format baru ini akan menghadirkan lebih banyak pertandingan, atmosfer kompetisi yang lebih luas, serta jangkauan penonton yang semakin besar di seluruh dunia.
Dengan skala yang jauh lebih besar, FIFA menargetkan turnamen ini sebagai ajang yang tidak hanya kompetitif tetapi juga spektakuler dari sisi teknologi dan pengalaman penonton. Stadion-stadion modern di berbagai kota tuan rumah telah dipersiapkan untuk menghadirkan pertandingan berkelas dunia, didukung oleh inovasi seperti peningkatan sistem VAR dan pengalaman digital bagi fans. diprediksi akan menjadi tonggak baru dalam evolusi sepak bola internasional, memperkuat popularitas olahraga ini sekaligus menciptakan momen-momen bersejarah yang akan dikenang dalam waktu lama.
