World Cup 2026: Lionel Scaloni set to reach 100-match milestone as Argentina face Cape Verde

Lionel Scaloni will oversee his 100th match as Argentina head coach when the reigning world champions face Cape Verde in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday.

The landmark fixture marks another significant moment in a coaching spell that has transformed Argentina into one of international football’s dominant forces since Scaloni took charge in 2018.

Initially appointed on an interim basis following Jorge Sampaoli’s departure, the former Argentina right-back quickly established himself in the role after previously serving as Sampaoli’s assistant and coaching the country’s Under-20 side.

His latest milestone comes with Argentina carrying impressive momentum into the knockout stages after winning all three of their group matches.

Scaloni says his passion remains unchanged

Following Argentina’s 3-1 victory over Jordan in their final group-stage match, Scaloni said his enthusiasm for the role remains as strong as it was on his first day in charge.

“I am exactly the same as on day one, and I feel things the same way. With each match, there is always something deep inside, that feeling in the pit of your stomach,” he confided.

The 48-year-old also stressed that every match continues to carry the same emotional weight, regardless of his experience on the touchline.

“There are no easy games. That’s how we experience it. The day we no longer feel that, it will be a problem.”

Those comments come as Argentina prepare for the start of the knockout phase, where Scaloni believes the competition enters a different stage.

“We are in a good dynamic, but a new World Cup starts now. The best is yet to come,” warned Scaloni.

Trophy-winning era continues

Since assuming control of the national team, Scaloni has overseen one of the most successful periods in Argentina’s football history.

He ended the country’s 28-year wait for a major international trophy by guiding Argentina to the 2021 Copa América title before leading the team to FIFA World Cup glory in 2022.

Argentina followed that achievement by securing another Copa América triumph in 2024, cementing Scaloni’s place among the nation’s most successful coaches.

The meeting with Cape Verde will also move him closer to another notable landmark.

Scaloni’s 100th game leaves him within reach of Guillermo Stábile’s long-standing Argentina coaching record of 124 matches.

He has already surpassed the totals recorded by César Luis Menotti and Carlos Bilardo, who each managed Argentina on 79 occasions.

Argentina carry perfect record into knockout stage

Argentina have advanced confidently through the group stage after recording victories over Algeria (3-0), Austria (2-0) and Jordan (3-1).

Those results ensured maximum points and reinforced the team’s status heading into the Round of 32.

Before facing Cape Verde, Scaloni’s overall record as Argentina coach stands at 72 victories, 18 draws and only nine defeats from 99 matches.

The squad has continued its preparations at its training base in Kansas City, where it completed a final closed training session before travelling to Miami for Friday’s encounter.

Respect from former mentor

Scaloni’s achievements have also earned praise from fellow coaches, including Algeria manager Vladimir Petkovic, who previously coached him at Lazio.

Ahead of the World Cup, Petkovic spoke warmly about their relationship.

“It’s always a pleasure to see Leo again. We have a very good relationship, and I hope that will still be the case after the match.”

As Argentina prepare to begin the knockout phase against Cape Verde, Scaloni’s 100th match represents another milestone in a coaching career that has already delivered some of the country’s greatest footballing achievements.