Argentina's national football team plans post-World Cup matches amid player uncertainty

Following their defeat in the 2026 World Cup final, the Argentine national football team is shifting focus to a new cycle of preparation. Coach Lionel Scaloni, who has indicated he will remain until December, faces the challenge of integrating a new generation of players to eventually replace the 2022 World Cup champions.

The team's first test will be the September FIFA window, where the Argentine Football Association (AFA) plans for the Albiceleste to play three matches. The initial game is tentatively scheduled for the Bombonera stadium against a South American or CONCACAF opponent. Two further matches are planned in Asia, though opponents are yet to be confirmed.

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I think many will have to think about whether to continue or not... We have to think and weigh a lot of things.

Several key figures are departing or have uncertain futures with the squad. Nicolás Otamendi, a World Cup winner, has announced his retirement from international duty. The continued participation of captain Lionel Messi is also unknown, as he has made no statements since the World Cup final. Other established players like Leandro Paredes and Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez have also expressed uncertainty about their future with the team.

Paredes stated, "I think many will have to think about whether to continue or not... We have to think and weigh a lot of things." Martínez echoed this sentiment on social media, saying, "The pain is difficult to explain. We have to reflect on many things and see how to move forward and if it is time to step aside." The coaching staff must also consider the future of other players, including Rodrigo De Paul, Gerónimo Rulli, Juan Musso, and Giovani Lo Celso, as they plan for the upcoming tournaments.

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The pain is difficult to explain. We have to reflect on many things and see how to move forward and if it is time to step aside.