Argentina to wear three stars on shirt for first time in March

Their defence of the title begins in just three months time. They will begin that defence in March when the 2026 South American World Cup qualifiers get underway. 

The Argentinian FA will show the trophy to the crowd before their first home game after the trophy parade on Tuesday was abandoned as a result of several incidents. In March, there will be another two matches. 

Argentina will have to qualify for the tournament like the rest of the teams, but it will be much easier this time. Out of 10 teams, six qualify automatically instead of four while seventh goes into a play-off. That means only three teams will be eliminated. 

What is clear is that the AFA will be alert to new commercial deals given that their value will have increased significantly since winning the tournament. Messi has announced that he will keep on defending his team's colours and Scaloni's contract renewal will mean most of the team will continue. All that will make Argentina when it comes to signing new sponsorship deals.