Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has fired back at critics amid rising controversy surrounding claims that FIFA is favoring the defending champions at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The allegations, which grew following a 3-2 Round of 16 victory over Egypt, became even more controversial after reports emerged that a French journalist plans to expose the federation, alongside an active FBI investigation into the Argentine Football Association (AFA).
Addressing the media ahead of Argentina’s next match against Switzerland in Kansas City, Scaloni dismissed the drama, stating that the squad is channelizing the external noise to fuel their campaign.
“There’s a campaign against us. Certain people have been saying for a very long time that we’re favored, maybe they don’t want us to win because we won the last World Cup,” he said during a press conference ahead of the Quarterfinals match against Switzerland as quoted by Actu Foot.
Scaloni believes the accusations of favoritism come from envy over Argentina’s recent success. He noted that the squad expects high scrutiny as defending champions, but the current allegations have crossed into unfair territory.Â
“We use that as a motivation! We turn the criticism into fuel to make the players perform even better,” he added.
What are the allegations and FBI investigations surrounding the AFA?
The off-pitch scrutiny arrives at a critical juncture for the Albiceleste. Reports indicate that the FBI is currently investigating the financial operations of the AFA, led by Claudio Tapia. The probe is specifically examining the movement of hundreds of millions of dollars through the United States financial system to determine if any federal laws were violated.
Compounding the federation’s issues, an investigative journalist Romain Molina has claimed to have concrete evidence of institutional corruption and bias, promising to expose the inner workings of the federation on Saturday.Â
Je vous prépare une très grosse enquête sur la mafia du football argentin demain matin 🇦🇷
Probablement l’un des plus gros scandales couverts par la FIFA ces dernières années d’ailleurs
— Romain Molina (@Romain_Molina) July 10, 2026
Despite the pressure of the federal investigation and the ongoing commentary from rival media, Scaloni insists the squad remains united. The coaching staff is using the negative press to build a siege mentality within the dressing room, ensuring the players are driven rather than distracted by the surrounding noise.
Defending champions Argentina will next face Switzerland in the quarterfinal clash in Kansas City on July 11, Saturday night (6:30 AM IST July 12).Â
