Argentina advanced to the 2026 World Cup final after a 2-1 win over England on July 15. Lionel Scaloni, the manager, discussed the tough decision to bench Rodrigo De Paul, highlighting the team's strength and squad depth.

Why did Scaloni bench De Paul?

Scaloni admitted it pained him to leave De Paul out of the starting XI but justified the move as part of the tactical plan against England. "How could it not hurt to leave Rodrigo on the bench? It hurts because he’s a key player and I identify with his style of play," said the coach.

How did the team react to tactical decisions?

The manager praised the squad’s maturity, noting that players like Leandro Paredes, Nicolás Otamendi, and Ángel Di María have accepted bench roles in the past. "We do what we think the game needs. We might be wrong, but the team’s unity is crucial," Scaloni stated.

What did Scaloni say about the Spain final?

Scaloni spoke about the July 19 final against Spain and his relationship with Luis de la Fuente, the Spanish manager. "He was my teacher in the coaching course, and I have a special bond with him. They’re a great team, but on Sunday, we’ll try to beat them," the Argentine coach declared.

What’s next for Argentina?

La Albiceleste enters the final on a five-game winning streak (5W-0D-0L) and aims for a third World Cup title. The next challenge is Spain, a team that has shown strong form in the tournament.