Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has rejected claims that FIFA is favouring the defending champions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying such criticism comes from people who simply do not want Argentina to win. The coach insisted his team remains focused on football as they prepare for their quarter-final against Switzerland.

Lionel Scaloni brushes aside controversy

Speaking before the last-eight encounter, Scaloni responded to allegations that Argentina have benefited from favourable refereeing decisions during the tournament. The debate gained momentum after Egypt questioned several decisions in their Round of 16 defeat to the reigning world champions.

Scaloni dismissed the accusations, saying criticism is common whenever a successful team continues to progress in a major tournament. “It’s been a long time, 40 years as you just said, since 1986, right?” Scaloni stated. “They were saying we were favoured back then, too. So it’s not something new. As far back as I can remember, Argentina has always been one of the teams that stirs up the tournament, always.

The Argentina manager also said, “And in a way, as you rightfully pointed out, it’s used to show the players that there are people who don’t want Argentina to win. But that’s normal, just like there will be people who don’t want another national team to win. The thing is, we might have a lot more people who don’t want us to win because we won the last one and, well, we take that into account. And yeah, it gets to the players.”

VAR has improved fairness, says coach

Scaloni also defended the standard of officiating at the tournament, pointing to the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR). He said, “I think with VAR and all these things, it’s very hard for them to help you.” Speaking at the press conference, he also said, “Very hard, very hard. There’s no double interpretation with VAR. Plus, they made it crystal clear to us in that course they give us before the World Cup starts. They showed us all the footage. This is how it’s going to be; it’s going to be like this, like that. And it’s been followed to the letter.”

His remarks came after FIFA defended the officials involved in Argentina’s victory over Egypt, stating that all key decisions were reviewed correctly through VAR and in accordance with the Laws of the Game.

Argentina have enjoyed another strong World Cup campaign and now face Switzerland in a crucial quarter-final. Scaloni acknowledged that every team left in the competition deserves its place and warned that Switzerland would be a difficult opponent.

The coach reiterated that his players are not distracted by discussions surrounding refereeing or claims of favouritism. Their only objective, he said, is to continue performing at a high level and move one step closer to retaining the World Cup title.

With the knockout stage becoming increasingly competitive, Scaloni believes Argentina’s focus must remain on football rather than the growing off-field debate. The defending champions will now look to let their performances answer any criticism as they continue their bid for another World Cup triumph.