During the 2026 World Cup group stage draw held in Washington DC (USA), FIFA apparently did not recognize coach Scaloni, who helped Argentina win the world championship in Qatar in 2022. Therefore, coach Scaloni was required to wear gloves before touching the gold cup. This is a rule that does not apply to world champions.
Coach Scaloni had to wear gloves to carry the World Cup trophy during the drawing ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington DC (USA) (Photo: Getty).
Coach Scaloni was surprised and said that FIFA officials “did not know who he was”. A day later (December 6), at the event announcing the official match schedule, FIFA President Infantino invited Coach Scaloni up on stage to personally apologize and hand over the trophy, without gloves.
The head of FIFA said: “I apologize on behalf of FIFA to coach Scaloni. I don’t know what else to say. Of course, the world champion can touch the trophy. I’m sorry, I didn’t know. It’s a shame! When you are a world champion, you always look younger.”
Argentina will begin their World Cup title defense on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City. Their next two opponents in Group J are Austria and Jordan.
FIFA President Infantino apologized and returned the championship trophy to the Argentina team coach (Photo: Getty).
Speaking about the opponents in this group, coach Scaloni said: "They are all difficult opponents. Austria had a great World Cup qualifying campaign and we believe they are a very strong team.
Algeria too, the way they played made us wary. Jordan was also impressive in the qualifiers. Argentina will continue to play at the highest level, trying to bring in new players who can add youth to the team.”
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/fifa-xin-loi-hlv-argentina-vi-su-co-kho-do-20251207194139305.htm
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