Argentina’s Scaloni Salutes a Tough 2026 World Cup Draw: Group 10’s Hidden Tests
5 December 2025
Scaloni on the 2026 World Cup Draw
Lionel Scaloni, the Argentina head coach, commented on the Tango’s draw for the 2026 World Cup to be staged in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Argentina begin their bid to defend their title won at Qatar 2022 by playing in Group 10, which includes Algeria, Jordan, and Austria.
Speaking to reporters at the draw in Washington on Friday, Scaloni said: There are no easy opponents; we must play with passion, work hard, and push to qualify.
Group 10 Opponents: Algeria, Austria, Jordan
The Argentine coach added: Algeria is a strong side, with many young players who represent the nation and shine in France and other leagues.
He also noted that Austria showed excellent form in European qualifying and will be a difficult foe, while Jordan remains the most unknown opponent.
Finally, Scaloni stressed that Argentina must give their all to advance to the knockout rounds.
Argentina will open their World Cup campaign against Algeria, then face Austria and Jordan in the second and third games, having previously stumbled 1-2 to Saudi Arabia in the 2022 opening.
Punchline: If football were archery, Scaloni would never miss a target—just blame the wind and the VAR for the rest.
Punchline 2: And if Argentina stumble again, they’ll call it a “group hug” — with extra defenders to keep the hugs off the goal line.
