Scaloni renewal, Germany crash out, and the path opens for Argentina

Scaloni until 2031

Lionel Scaloni has an agreement to renew his contract as Argentina manager through 2031, per ESPN Argentina (3). Five more years. That takes him through two more World Cups and a full generational transition. The deal locks in the coach who delivered the 2022 title and now has you top of Group J.

Germany out, Argentina's odds climb

Germany are gone. Paraguay knocked them out on penalties, and suddenly your path to back-to-back World Cups looks clearer (2). The supercomputer updated overnight and Argentina's probability of winning the whole thing jumped (2) (5). Spain's odds, meanwhile, are in freefall (5).

Cape Verde next: they know what's coming

Cape Verde are already preparing for you. Their coach told RTP they will not abandon their identity, but he admitted the obvious: this is the world champions they are facing (6). No date locked in yet, but the match is on deck.

Netherlands out on penalties, sound familiar

Morocco beat Netherlands 3–2 on penalties after a 2–2 draw (7). That makes Netherlands the joint-most penalty shootout losers in World Cup history, level with Spain (7). Argentina fans know the feeling from the other side: you beat them from the spot in 2014 and 2022. No rematch this time.

Nico Paz to Como for €60m

Real Madrid have sold Nico Paz to Como for €60 million, with a buy-back clause active for the 2027–28 season (1). The Argentine youngster gets a permanent home in Serie A. If he develops the way Madrid clearly still think he might, that buy-back keeps a door open.

Atletico block Alvarez exit

Barcelona and Real Madrid came knocking for Julian Alvarez. Atletico Madrid said no and pointed to the €500 million release clause (4). Arsenal are also watching, but nobody is going near that number (4). Alvarez stays put.

Fan reactions

The Germany elimination is the big talking point among Argentina fans, with one path-clearing exit after another, the belief that this could really be the year for back-to-back titles is growing. Australia are now the sole remaining AFC team and some supporters are already looking ahead to a potential quarterfinal matchup, though the immediate focus stays on Cape Verde.