The question on everyone's lips is: could Argentina, the defending champions, be excluded from the 2026 World Cup (hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico)? A massive corruption scandal is currently rocking the Argentine Football Association (AFA), and the consequences could prove disastrous for the Albiceleste.

🔍 Criminal Investigation and Suspicions of Money Laundering

The case broke on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, when Argentine authorities conducted between 25 and 30 simultaneous raids targeting several clubs as well as the AFA headquarters. These operations were part of a large-scale investigation into suspected money laundering .

According to the Argentinian media outlet La Nación , the investigation directly targets several high-ranking officials in national football:

1. Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia , the senior leader of the AFA.
2. Pablo Tovuggini , a close collaborator.
3. Luciano Nakis , the deputy treasurer of the Federation.

These three figures are suspected of having amassed a fortune illicitly.

🌐 The Shadow of FIFA and the Risk of Exclusion

The situation is all the more perilous given FIFA's historically very strict stance regarding government interference or judicial intervention in the internal affairs of national federations. Such a crisis, involving the AFA leadership, could be perceived as a serious breach of conduct.

La Nación warns: FIFA could potentially sanction the Argentine national team by excluding them from the 2026 World Cup, for which they were already placed in Group J (alongside Algeria, Austria and Jordan, according to the newspaper).

The magazine emphasizes the urgent need for a swift resolution:

"It is therefore up to the justice system to quickly determine whether these people are guilty or innocent, whether they deserve to keep their positions or whether they should be removed from office."

Meanwhile, the Argentine justice system is also interested in the financial company "Sur Finanzas" , sponsor of several clubs and the national team, suspected of wrongdoing since 2024.

✨ Lionel Messi's Reaction

While the future of the national team is uncertain, Argentine football star Lionel Messi has expressed his desire to participate in what could be his last World Cup, even if he adopts a pragmatic perspective:

"I hope I can be there [at the World Cup]. I've already said it, I would love to be there. At worst, I'll watch it live there, but it will be special."

➡️ What's next?

To date, no official sanctions have been imposed by FIFA. However, the threat is considered serious and well-founded until the crisis within the AFA and the judicial investigation are resolved.