Coach Scaloni wears gloves while carrying the golden trophy onto the stage during the 2026 World Cup draw at the John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Washington D.C., US, on 5/12. Photo: Reuters

At the 2026 World Cup draw, held at the John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center in Washington D.C., US, on 5/12, organizers requested coach Lionel Scaloni wear gloves when touching the golden trophy. This oversight occurred because members of the organizing committee failed to recognize the coach who led Argentina to the 2022 world championship.

Scaloni expressed surprise, stating he felt the officials "did not know who I was."

The following day, at the schedule announcement event, FIFA president Infantino proactively rectified the mistake. He invited Scaloni onto the stage to directly lift the trophy without needing gloves.

"I apologize on behalf of FIFA. I don't know what else to say," Infantino shared with the entire hall, emphasizing that "a world champion can always touch the Cup." The FIFA president also joked that Scaloni looked younger than his actual age: "What a ridiculous thing! When you become a world champion, you look younger every day."

FIFA president Gianni Infantino and coach Lionel Scaloni hold the golden trophy during the 2026 World Cup schedule announcement in Washington D.C., US, on 6/12. Photo: Reuters

Following the draw results, Argentina was placed in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Many fans in Buenos Aires considered Argentina's group manageable, but Scaloni warned that no match would be easy at the World Cup. He also indicated that Argentina would continue to apply the formula that led them to victory in Qatar 2022.

"We will give our maximum and try to do what we did in the previous World Cup: fight to the end, not miss any play," Scaloni stated.

Despite the group being considered manageable, Argentina faces a difficult journey in the knockout rounds, where they could potentially face European champions Spain as early as the round of 16. "As in 2022, we always said there are no easy opponents. First, we must get past the group stage before thinking further," Scaloni emphasized. He then took time to comment on each opponent Argentina would face. He noted that Austria played impressively in the qualifiers and would be a tough opponent, while Algeria is a quality team with many good players, possessing abundant young talent contributing to both French football and other leagues. Scaloni particularly praised Algeria's head coach, Vladimir Petkovic, who once coached Scaloni himself during his time at Lazio.

Jordan is a newcomer in this group, but Scaloni did not underestimate them for that reason. To this day, he still remembers the 1-2 defeat against Saudi Arabia in the opening match of the 2022 World Cup. "We have that experience; we must approach every match with seriousness," Scaloni said.

Hong Duy (according to The Straits Times, Reuters)