United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino has described Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni as the finest coach at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, praising the reigning world champions ahead of a possible knockout-stage showdown.
Pochettino made the remarks while speaking to reporters before the United States’ Group D encounter against Australia on Friday.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain manager spoke glowingly of Scaloni’s achievements with Argentina, highlighting the quality of both the coaching staff and the squad that lifted the World Cup in Qatar four years ago.
“Many of Argentina’s players are world champions from Qatar,” Pochettino said.
“The coach, Lionel Scaloni, is the best one at this World Cup. I know his staff very well, and the fans are amazing.”
The Argentine tactician also pointed to the enduring influence of captain Lionel Messi, whom he believes remains a decisive factor in Argentina’s quest for another global title.
“And then the cherry on top is Messi. It’s a difficult combination to play against,” he added.
Scaloni has earned widespread acclaim for transforming Argentina into one of international football’s dominant forces. Since guiding La Albiceleste to World Cup glory in Qatar, he has overseen continued success, blending experienced stars with emerging young talents.
Both the United States and Argentina made winning starts to their World Cup campaigns, defeating Paraguay and Algeria respectively.
The victories have strengthened expectations that both nations could progress deep into the tournament. Should the Americans finish top of Group D and Argentina also win their section, the two sides would be kept apart until either the semi-finals or the final.
Such a meeting would pit Pochettino against his homeland and provide one of the most intriguing tactical battles of the tournament.
For now, however, the United States coach remains focused on navigating the group stage, while acknowledging that Argentina, under Scaloni’s stewardship, remain one of the teams to beat in North America.
