Lionel Scaloni has issued a true challenge by revealing his desire to face the Spanish national team in the final of the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine coach did not hide his ambition to reach the decisive match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and made it clear that if he could choose an opponent, he would bet everything on a final against La Roja.
With several stages still to overcome, Argentina and Spain remain on opposite sides of the draw, allowing for a potential clash only in the last match, scheduled for July 19. Argentina, the current world champion, is preparing to face Egypt in the Round of 16 in Atlanta. If they win, Scaloni's team will face Colombia or Switzerland in the quarter-finals before potentially meeting England or Norway in the semi-finals.
On the Spanish side, Luis de la Fuente's team secured their spot in the quarter-finals after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Portugal, a match decided in the final moments. Spain will take on Belgium in the next round and, if they overcome this hurdle, will meet Morocco or France in the semi-finals. The structure of the draw prevents Argentina and Spain from facing each other before the grand final.
Both teams entered the tournament with enhanced status. Argentina is not only the reigning world champion but has also won the last two editions of the Copa América. Earlier this year, a potential Finalíssima between the winners of the Copa América and the European Championship was postponed due to the cancellation of the event, depriving Scaloni and De la Fuente of a first direct duel.
Questioned about the possibility of facing Spain in the final, Lionel Scaloni was unequivocal in recent statements: “If we face Spain in the final, I accept. We will try.” The Argentine coach also added: “This World Cup is difficult for everyone. France is formidable, but they had difficulties against Paraguay. Spain beat Portugal, but that was also a complicated game. No team has maintained the same level of performance that they had before the World Cup, because the opponents are playing well.” Scaloni took the opportunity to emphasize the impact of the unique conditions of this tournament: “The conditions are also different from other World Cups. Most players who have played many games this year are feeling that, and that’s why I think the level is not what we are used to.”
Scaloni's ambition to reach the final with Spain promises to heat up the final stretch of this competition even further. With the challenges ahead and a path full of obstacles, both Argentina and Spain will have to overcome heavyweight opponents to fulfill the Argentine coach's desire. The football world is eagerly awaiting the outcome of this World Cup, where each game proves to be decisive and unpredictable.
O MUNDIAL 2026 VIVE-SE COM A LEGO
AGORA PODE ACOMPANHAR O MUNDIAL DE FUTEBOL COM TODA INFORMAÇÃO – AQUI
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