Khaberni - The preparations of the Argentine football team to defend their title in the 2026 World Cup face an escalating crisis, amid corruption investigations hitting the local federation and casting shadows on the football scene in the country.
Claudio Tapia, the president of the Argentine federation, who was regarded as one of the architects of the 2022 World Cup victory after his support for coach Lionel Scaloni, finds himself today at the heart of a storm of criticism, with his popularity clearly waning.
The crisis stems from allegations of corruption and tax evasion, following a complaint filed by the government of President Javier Milei, where Tapia faces the risk of trial and potential imprisonment penalties.
Unpopular changes in the league system, and organizing friendly matches against weak teams, have also intensified public anger.
The crisis does not stop at the judiciary, but extends to an open political conflict between Tapia and Milei, especially with the latter's push to privatize the clubs, which the Argentine federation strongly opposes.
In contrast, the national team stars, led by Lionel Messi, try to distance themselves from these tensions and focus on the preparations for the World Cup.
However, the absence of official statements from Messi, and the reduced joint appearances with Tapia, reflects a coolness within the scene.
Despite continued support from a number of major clubs for the federation president, the fans have clearly expressed their rejection through jeers and chants in the stadiums, reflecting the depth of the crisis that threatens Argentine football's stability just two years before the World Cup.
Argentina plays in Group Ten of the World Cup alongside Austria, Algeria, and Jordan, and the tournament is scheduled to begin on June 11, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Argentina begins its title defense on June 16 against Algeria.
