Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has dismissed suggestions that his side should now be considered favourites to retain the FIFA World Cup title, despite opening their 2026 campaign with back-to-back victories and securing a place in the knockout stages.
The reigning world champions continued their impressive start to the tournament with a 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday night, a result that followed their commanding 3-0 win against Algeria in the opening round.
With six points from two matches, Argentina have already booked their place in the next phase, while Lionel Messi’s five goals in two games have further strengthened belief that La Albiceleste could be on course for another deep run.
Scaloni, however, was unwilling to embrace the growing narrative surrounding his team.
Speaking after the victory over Austria, the Argentina coach insisted the tournament remains too competitive for any nation to be singled out as the clear favourite.
“I said it a few days ago,” Scaloni told reporters.
“There are a lot of teams that can be world champions. I want to stay short and say seven or eight teams that will compete.”
The 48-year-old argued that success at modern World Cups is determined by much more than reputation or individual quality.
“This World Cup does not go by favouritism or by the players each team has,” he explained.
“It is being decided by many other aspects. The psychological aspect, the physical aspect. There are many things involved.”
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Argentina’s strong start has inevitably drawn comparisons with their triumphant campaign in Qatar four years ago, particularly given the form of Messi, who has once again become the focal point of the tournament.
The captain followed his hat-trick against Algeria with a brace against Austria to move clear as the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Yet Scaloni remained cautious about reading too much into Argentina’s opening performances.
The coach acknowledged his side had been tested by Austria and warned that tougher challenges still lie ahead.
“We will be there in the fight,” he said.
“But it will be hard. It will be hard for everyone. The big teams will have difficult matches and we will too.”
Scaloni’s measured assessment reflects the approach that has characterised Argentina’s rise under his leadership.
Rather than focusing on records, rankings or external expectations, the former defender has repeatedly stressed the importance of balance, discipline and collective effort.
Those qualities were evident again against Austria, where Argentina had to endure periods without possession before eventually finding the breakthrough.
The victory ensured the South Americans became one of the first nations to reach the knockout rounds, but their manager remains determined to keep expectations under control.
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While Argentina’s flawless start has strengthened their credentials, the coach is convinced the race for World Cup glory is far from settled.
“We are in the fight,” he reiterated.
“But there are many teams capable of winning this World Cup.”
