Argentina coach, Lionel Scaloni, has acknowledged that defending the FIFA World Cup presents a significant challenge, as La Albiceleste are scheduled to commence their title defense against Algeria on June 17.

Just over three and a half years ago, Argentina was crowned world champions for the third time after triumphing over France in a penalty shootout in Qatar.

Since their victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Scaloni’s squad has suffered only four defeats in international friendlies, the 2024 Copa America, and the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

They have also secured victories in all five of their most recent matches, with their latest performance being a decisive 3-0 win against Iceland. Their impeccable record in the preparatory matches leading up to the 2026 World Cup has propelled them to the top of the latest FIFA rankings.

After the friendly match against Iceland, Scaloni remarked that winning a consecutive FIFA World Cup title is a formidable task, but he assured that his players will exert maximum effort on the field in North America.

He said, “It is quite challenging to claim that we will win the World Cup again, as it is very difficult; however, I can assure you that these players will give their all on the pitch. We will strive until the very end.”

In addition to Algeria, Argentina has been placed in Group J alongside Austria and Jordan. The three-time world champions aim to become the first team to secure back-to-back titles since Brazil in 1962.

According to Opta’s latest forecast, Argentina is currently the fourth favorite, with a 10.5% chance of winning the tournament.

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World Cup referee Omar Artan has been denied entry to the United States, just three days before the tournament is set to begin. The Somali official was poised to become the first-ever referee from his country to take charge of a match at a Fifa World Cup.

Artan, 34, was named the best African referee for 2025 by the Confederation of African Football and has previously officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations. He reportedly encountered difficulties securing a visa but benefited from support from the Somali embassy in Nairobi, which enabled him to obtain a diplomatic passport.

He travelled from Kenya through Turkey to Miami, after FIFA confirmed last week that his visa situation had been “fully resolved” and that he would be available to officiate at the tournament. Denied entry to the US, he has now returned to Istanbul.

The Somali is one of eight referees from CAF selected by FIFA to officiate at the World Cup. There are also eight from the AFC, nine from Concacaf, one from the OFC, 12 from Conmebol, and 15 from Uefa. Those from Uefa countries include Poland’s Szymon Marciniak, who refereed the 2022 World Cup final, as well as England’s Anthony Taylor and Michael Oliver. In total, 170 referees, assistant referees, and video assistant referees will take charge of the record 104 matches across the three host nations.

It currently remains unclear what will happen if Artan is not permitted entry in time for the tournament. The Somali FA and FIFA have been contacted for comment.

The US travel ban has already caused issues for some players expected to feature in the World Cup. Despite not qualifying for the tournament, Somalia features on the travel ban list. Switzerland striker Breel Embolo was initially barred from flying to the country due to travel issues related to a 2018 court ruling; he was convicted in 2023 of making multiple threats and handed a suspended fine. Those issues have since been resolved, and he has arrived in San Diego.

Iran have been forced to change their plans for the tournament and will now be based in Mexico. The squad will only be allowed into the US on matchdays and must leave on the same day.

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