Marcelo Gallardo analyzed the 2026 World Cup: the key to the debut, his candidates, and the respect that the National Team generates

After his departure from River a few months ago, Marcelo Gallardo returned to the public eye, but this time as a communicator. In the first episode of the show La Casa del Kun on ESPN, where he shared the table with figures like Sergio Agüero, Sebastián Vignolo, Oscar Ruggeri, Carlos Tévez, Ezequiel Lavezzi, and Radamel Falcao, the Muñeco provided a analysis of what will be the debut of the Argentine National Team in the 2026 World Cup.

One of the points highlighted by the former Millionaire coach is the importance that the World Cup debut will have to set the course of the competition and he also analyzed which teams, in his view, have the arguments to go far in the tournament. "Beyond the powerhouses, there’s always a team that surprises, we shouldn’t lose sight of the first match, which for me is fundamental, because of everything it generates", he assured.

Gallardo emphasized the confidence that the Argentine team transmits, although he clarified that this does not imply relaxation. "Even though we have a team that is confident, it looks confident. Not relaxed, relaxation would be wrong", he explained.

Additionally, he referred to the physical situation with which several players arrive at the World Cup and stressed that the mental strength of the team is a reassuring factor. "Despite the issues of players who arrived at the World Cup at their physical limit, there is a security that reassures. And then the first match will give you the guideline on how to approach what comes next", he pointed out.

His candidates for the World Cup

When mentioning candidates, Gallardo once again placed France among the main contenders, although he also highlighted other teams for the quality of their midfielders. "Regarding the powerhouses, one always highlights France. It could be a World Cup of midfielders, first because I like teams that have midfielders like those of Argentina, Spain, Germany, and Portugal. I think those teams will end up consolidating as the competition progresses,” he analyzed.

The respect towards Argentina

Gallardo also emphasized the position that the Albiceleste currently occupies on the international stage. In his view, Scaloni's team has earned the recognition of all its rivals not only for the title won in 2022 but also for the continuity of its performance.

"Argentina has earned respect, not only for being world champions but also because it continues to maintain it. No one wants to play against Argentina today", he stated. In that sense, he maintained that this feeling extends even to other top-level teams. "I think today it applies to Brazil, which won't want to face you, or to Uruguay or Spain. It happens in general", he added.

During the exchange, Lavezzi emphasized that the Albiceleste appears as "a very consolidated team", an assessment with which Gallardo fully agreed. "You perceive that from the outside, but also understanding that one has been inside, and I believe that never, just as I observe from the outside, it seems that there is a well-earned respect", he concluded.