'The disciplinary proceedings examine events after the semi-final against England and the final against Spain. Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada and Roberto Ayala must also submit their responses.
FIFA’s comparative report placed Argentina ahead of Conmebol’s six representatives: they finished second, played eight matches and averaged 2.4 goals and 656 completed passes per game.
France Football stressed that winning the World Cup helps but does not guarantee its annual award. Illustrated with Lionel Messi, the clarification strengthened the Argentine captain’s candidacy despite finishing second, with the decision due on 26 October in London.
Argentina resisted with ten players, took the final into extra time and lost 1-0 to Spain through Ferran Torres’ goal. Lionel Scaloni’s team finished as runners-up after a campaign defined by comebacks, effort and belonging.
The core of the team is settled, but the coach still has to choose between Gonzalo Montiel and Nahuel Molina at right-back, and Rodrigo De Paul and Giuliano Simeone in midfield. Giovani Lo Celso remains an alternative.
After beating England and reaching the 2026 World Cup final, several Argentina players celebrated with a banner asserting sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands. The scene prompted a harsh British front page and moved the rivalry beyond the pitch.
In 2007, Lionel Messi took part in a Barcelona charity shoot and was photographed with baby Lamine Yamal. Nineteen years later, that image connects the leading figures of Argentina and Spain before the 2026 World Cup final.
Argentina trailed after Anthony Gordon’s goal, but Enzo Fernández equalised in the 85th minute from Lionel Messi’s assist and Lautaro Martínez scored the 2-1 winner in stoppage time. The champions will face Spain for the title.
Spain won 2-0 in Dallas through goals from Mikel Oyarzabal, from the penalty spot, and Pedro Porro. Luis de la Fuente’s side will play for the 2026 World Cup title against the winner of Argentina versus England.
Argentina’s coach explained why gatherings around the barbecue are part of building the group. During the tournament, shared meals, card games and conversation sustain a collective identity the national team values alongside tactical work.
Spain, France and England occupy three of the four semifinal places, while Argentina carry South America’s only remaining challenge. Lionel Scaloni’s side will face England hoping to repeat the resistance that ended with the title in Qatar 2022.
The 2026 World Cup semifinal has brought back a heated episode involving Argentina’s current coach and the former England star, when they represented Deportivo La Coruña and Real Madrid during a tense 2003/04 Spanish league match.