Scaloni one win from Bilardo's record as Argentina reach 2026 WC semis
Synopsis
Lionel Scaloni is one match away from becoming the coach with the most World Cup games in Argentine history — overtaking the legendary Carlos Bilardo. With Argentina through to the 2026 semis and England next up, the record is already his to lose.
Key Takeaways
Lionel Scaloni managed his 13th World Cup game as Argentina coach after the win over Switzerland on 14 July .
He has surpassed Cesar Luis Menotti (12 games) and needs just one more match to eclipse Carlos Bilardo's record of 14 .
Scaloni remains unbeaten against European sides — 7 wins, 3 draws — under his management.
Argentina have reached the semifinals in 3 of the last 4 World Cups , a modern-era record matched only by France .
Argentina face England in the semifinal on Thursday — their first World Cup clash in over 20 years .
France vs Spain is the other semifinal, scheduled for Tuesday at AT&T Stadium, Dallas .
Lionel Scaloni is now just one World Cup match away from becoming the coach with the most games managed for Argentina in tournament history, after the Albiceleste defeated Switzerland to advance to the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Atlanta on 14 July.
The Record in Numbers
The win over Switzerland was Scaloni's 13th World Cup match in charge of the national team — surpassing the 12 managed by Cesar Luis Menotti, the architect of Argentina's 1978 World Cup triumph. The only coach still ahead of Scaloni is Carlos Salvador Bilardo, who managed 14 World Cup games. With at least two matches remaining — a semifinal and either a final or third-place playoff — Scaloni is guaranteed to eclipse that mark.
Unbeaten Against Europe
Beyond the raw game count, Scaloni's record against European opposition stands as one of the most compelling statistics of his tenure. Argentina have not lost to a European side under his management, posting seven wins and three draws. That run will be tested again when Argentina face England in the semifinals on Thursday — their first World Cup meeting in more than 20 years.
A Semifinal Habit
This is the third time in the last four World Cups that Argentina have reached the last four — a feat described as unprecedented for the national team in the modern era. Notably, only France have matched that consistency over the same period. Argentina's semifinal appearance also extends a run that includes two Copa America titles, a Finalissima appearance, and the 2022 World Cup under Scaloni.
The Other Semifinal
France and Spain are set to meet on Tuesday in the other semifinal at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, with Salvadoran referee Iván Barton officiating. The winner of that match will claim the first spot in the tournament final.
What Is Next for Scaloni
Win or lose against England, Scaloni will finish the tournament as the coach with the most World Cup games in Argentine history — a record that would have seemed improbable when he was appointed as an interim manager in 2018. His tenure, still unfinished, already occupies a singular place in Argentine football history.
Point of View
He has now outlasted Menotti and is about to surpass Bilardo, the two most celebrated coaches in Argentine football history. What mainstream coverage underplays is the European unbeaten run: seven wins and three draws against the continent that dominates the global game is a benchmark no Argentina coach has come close to. The semifinal against England adds another layer — a fixture loaded with history that Scaloni has never managed before. How he navigates that occasion will say as much about his tactical range as any record count.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many World Cup games has Lionel Scaloni managed for Argentina?
Scaloni has managed 13 World Cup games for Argentina as of the 14 July 2026 win over Switzerland. That puts him second all-time, behind only Carlos Bilardo , who managed 14.
Whose record is Scaloni about to break?
Scaloni is set to surpass Carlos Salvador Bilardo , the coach who led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title and managed 14 World Cup matches in total. He has already overtaken Cesar Luis Menotti , who managed 12.
Who does Argentina play in the 2026 World Cup semifinal?
Argentina face England in the semifinal on Thursday — their first World Cup meeting in more than 20 years. The other semifinal pits France against Spain on Tuesday at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.
What is Scaloni's record against European teams?
Under Scaloni, Argentina are unbeaten against European opposition, with 7 wins and 3 draws . That run will face its stiffest test yet against England in the last four.
How often has Argentina reached the World Cup semifinals in recent tournaments?
Argentina have reached the semifinals in 3 of the last 4 World Cups — a feat described as unprecedented for the national team in the modern era, matched only by France over the same period.
