Five Argentine Coaches Set to Guide South American Teams in 2026 World Cup

Argentina’s role in South American soccer coaching is more prominent than ever as the 2026 World Cup approaches. As reported by DeporTV, five out of the six Conmebol teams already qualified for the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada are led by Argentine coaches.

Lionel Scaloni, who led Argentina to victory in Qatar 2022, is set to take his team into another World Cup to defend their title, following in the footsteps of César Luis Menotti and Carlos Salvador Bilardo. Marcelo Bielsa, after coaching Argentina in 2002 and Chile in 2010, will also make his third World Cup appearance, this time with Uruguay.

Sebastián Beccacece is making his debut as a head coach in the World Cup with Ecuador, having previously been an assistant under Jorge Sampaoli during Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018. Likewise, Colombia’s Néstor Lorenzo will also coach at the World Cup for the first time after working as José Pekerman’s assistant in 2014 and 2018.

Gustavo Alfaro has brought Paraguay back to the World Cup stage, making consecutive appearances after guiding Ecuador in Qatar 2022. Fernando Batista still has a chance to qualify Venezuela through the playoffs, which could enhance Argentina’s impressive influence in the 2026 tournament.