A Rare Legacy: The Simeone and Paz Dynasties Converge at the 2026 Mundial

Twenty-eight years after their fathers shared the pitch in France, Giuliano Simeone and Nico Paz are writing a unique chapter in Argentine football history at the 2026 World Cup.

The 2026 Mundial has brought more than just the usual anticipation for the Selección Argentina; it has delivered a symmetry rarely seen in international football. Nearly three decades after Diego Simeone and Pablo Paz stood shoulder-to-shoulder in the squad that represented Argentina at Francia 1998, their sons are walking the same path. This isn’t just a sentimental footnote; it marks the first time in history that the children of two former teammates have reunited to represent their nation at the same World Cup.

From Bordeaux to the Global Stage

The connection traces back to June 26, 1998, at the Stade Chaban-Delmas in Bordeaux. During a group stage clash against Croatia, Pablo Paz started in the heart of the defense, while a young Diego Simeone entered the fray as a substitute. That tournament, managed by Daniel Passarella, ended in the quarter-finals for Argentina, but it laid a groundwork that neither man likely imagined would span generations. While Diego went on to accumulate 106 caps and multiple World Cup appearances, that tournament served as a definitive chapter for Pablo.

Today, the torch has passed to their sons, both of whom were born in Europe while their fathers were plying their trade in the continent's top leagues. Giuliano Simeone, born in Rome, has carved out a path as an energetic, tenacious forward—a profile that reflects the "Cholo" spirit of his father, though with his own distinct tactical flair developed under Diego’s guidance at Atlético Madrid. Nico Paz, born in Tenerife, brings a different dimension to the pitch. The creative midfielder has earned plaudits for his vision and technical precision, currently making waves in Italy with Como.

The Scaloni Factor

Lionel Scaloni’s selection process for the 2026 squad has been defined by a mix of veteran stability and aggressive renewal. Both young players have fought to earn their spots on merit, moving past the shadow of their surnames to become key components of the "Scaloneta." For Nico, the tournament represents a massive career milestone, having already made his mark in the team's opening victory against Algeria. For Giuliano, it is the culmination of a rapid ascent from the youth ranks and the Olympic squad to the senior national team.

Why it matters

This convergence is a fascinating case study in footballing lineage and the "export" nature of modern Argentine talent. Both heirs were born and raised outside of Argentina—a reality that speaks to the global migration of the country's footballers over the last thirty years. The fact that they have chosen to represent the Albiceleste, despite their European upbringing, underscores the deep-rooted pull of the national jersey. It signals a shift where the "legacy" of the national team is no longer just about geography, but about a nurtured, inherited identity that survives across borders and decades.

A Legacy in Motion

While the press is quick to draw comparisons, both players are clearly focused on the immediate challenge: defending the title Argentina secured in Qatar 2022. The narrative of the "sons of '98" adds a layer of romanticism to the 2026 campaign, but the reality is strictly professional. They are part of a fresh wave of eight debutants under Scaloni, tasked with proving that the next generation can withstand the immense pressure of the world’s biggest stage. The history they share with their fathers provides the context, but their performance in the upcoming matches will define their own standing in the annals of Argentine sport.