TAs a result of the playoffs, 48 teams have been selected to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Bosnia, Sweden, Czech Republic, Turkey, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Iraq qualifying.
However, for some, the dream of competing in Mexico, Canada, and the United States has disappeared. Italy is one of them, and although Argentina secured a spot, their coach Lionel Scaloni couldn’t help but feel sad for La Nazionale.
Scaloni reacts to Italy’s absence from 2026 World Cup
The 47-year-old Argentine coach lamented the current state of Gennaro Gattuso’s side, who will miss out on a third successive tournament after drawing 1-1 with Bosnia and losing 4-1 on penalties.
This situation did not go unnoticed by thousands of football fans, but of course it did not go unnoticed by Scaloni. Speaking to the press after Lionel Messi and co defeated Zambia 5-0 at La Bombonera Stadium in their final friendly, the coach explained the personal reasons why the news affected him:
“I have some Italian heritage… my grandparents, my great-grandfather. I feel bad for Italy, because not only have I played there, but Italy is a country that I consider to be Argentina’s brother and they love us very much. Also, this country and its national team have had a huge influence and are one of the world powers,” Scaloni said (via Orr).
In the final stages of his football career, he played for two Italian Serie A teams, SS Lazio (2007-2008 and 2009-2013, with interim loans) and Atalanta Calcio (2013-2015), before finally retiring. He also played in one match at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, in the round of 16 against Mexico, which Argentina won 2-1. Italy won this tournament for the fourth and final time.
“The fact that they won’t be in the World Cup, I think we Argentines don’t like it… It’s sad, especially because of the way it happened, the harsh and unfair way. After 20 or 25 minutes away they were reduced to 10 men… When the wind is not blowing, it’s very difficult. In the end they qualified for the World Cup away against a good team. Very tough,” said the Argentine coach. concluded.
Italy previously missed out on qualification for Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, and last appeared in a World Cup in 2014, when the team failed to make it past the group stage.
Meanwhile, Argentina finished the South American qualifying round in first place with 38 points, and secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup ahead of schedule on March 25 last year.
Now, the defending champion must defend the title he won in 2022. They will take the lead in Group J, which also includes Austria, Algeria and Jordan.
Scaloni’s team will therefore face Algeria at the Kansas City Stadium on Tuesday, June 16th. They will then face Austria on Monday, June 22nd at Dallas Stadium, and Jordan on Saturday, June 27th.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held from June 11th to July 19th in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
