World Cup 2026: Argentina Must Show Grit Against Switzerland –Scaloni

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has disclosed that the team must show more grit if they are to defeat Switzerland in the quarter-final of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The defending champions are facing resilient opposition in Kansas City but remain driven by their head coach’s emotional call for total devotion and fighting spirit.

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Speaking at a press conference at the Kansas City Stadium on Friday, Scaloni stated that he’s focused on his long-term vision for the squad as they pursue back-to-back World Cup titles.

He also addressed the team’s talisman, who leads the World Cup all-time scoring charts with 21 goals and is in the race for the Golden Boot

Scaloni warned his players that Switzerland will be hard to beat with a long-standing World Cup history, pointing to their experienced roster and their defeat of Colombia in the Round of 16.

“I would like this national team to be remembered as a team that never gave up. We, the technical staff, the players, we play football for this. We do not play football just for a win. And then when you see those things that come out of our heart, this is just outstanding.

“When you see a 10-year-old saying those things and talking with that passion, and everyone shouting ‘Argentina’, that is just so emotional. And that is the legacy that I want. At 39 years of age, some people might think he may not rise to the challenge, but I’ve said before that for as long as he wants, he will be the best,” he said.

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“I’m not saying that because I’m coaching him, but rather because I think if he wants to, he will continue to be the best. Those of us who see him train, those of us that see him doing things today cannot even imagine what he was like when he was 23 years of age, when he was back in Barcelona with (Pep) Guardiola.”

“They have a long-standing history in World Cups. They have very experienced players physically. They are strong. So it will be a tough opponent. That is for sure. We respect them very much, as we also do with other opponents. They eliminated Colombia. Colombia had been doing great during this World Cup.”