Argentina in advanced talks to extend Scaloni’s contract through 2031

Argentina and Lionel Scaloni are hammering out the details of a contract extension that would keep the World Cup-winning coach in charge well beyond the current deal’s expiration on December 31, 2026. A verbal agreement for terms running through 2031 was reportedly reached during pre-World Cup meetings in late June 2026, and the two sides are now fine-tuning the paperwork. The deal, if finalized, would position Scaloni to lead La Albiceleste through the 2028 Copa América and the 2030 World Cup. What the deal looks like Updated reports from late September 2026 suggest the extension could take the form of an initial two-year contract paired with a two-year extension option, carrying Scaloni through approximately mid-2030. That structure gives both sides flexibility: the Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA) gets continuity, and Scaloni gets a natural evaluation point. The likelihood of an agreement landing has been pegged at around 75%. The remaining gap appears to involve minor contractual details rather than any fundamental disagreement on vision or compensation. Neither side seems to be in a rush. The prevailing approach has been to let negotiations breathe during active competiti...