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The defending world champions arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Lionel Messi playing his final chapter, and a squad good enough to write the perfect ending.
Argentina are back. Four years after their historic triumph in Qatar, the Albiceleste travel to the United States, Canada, and Mexico not just as participants, but as the team every other nation is gunning for.
Lionel Scaloni's side defeated France in one of the greatest World Cup finals ever played at the Lusail Stadium, with Emiliano Martinez's penalty shootout heroics proving the difference after Kylian Mbappe's stunning hat-trick threatened to deny them glory. It was Argentina's third world title, and their first since Diego Maradona's legendary campaign in Mexico in 1986.
Since then,
they have only grown stronger. Two Copa America titles and a World Cup in four years make them the most dominant international side of their generation. They cruised through CONMEBOL qualification, topping the table and beating arch-rivals Brazil both home and away. In Group J, they will open their title defence against Algeria before facing Austria and Jordan.
Here is everything you need to know about Argentina's probable squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina FIFA World Cup 2026 Goalkeepers
There is no debate over who starts in goal. Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez has been the heartbeat of Argentina's golden era, delivering when it matters most and terrorising opponents in penalty shootouts with his unique brand of psychological warfare. He is, quite simply, irreplaceable.
Marseille's Geronimo Rulli is expected to serve as the primary backup, with Crystal Palace's Walter Benitez likely completing the goalkeeping trio. Atletico Madrid's Juan Musso will be hoping to force his way into contention, though his path looks difficult.
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Emiliano Martinez | Aston Villa |
| Geronimo Rulli | Marseille |
| Juan Musso | Atletico Madrid |
| Walter Benitez | Crystal Palace |
Argentina FIFA World Cup 2026 Defenders
Argentina's defensive setup is a model of balance - experienced leaders alongside emerging talents, pace on the flanks, and an authoritative centre-back partnership that ranks among the world's very best.
Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez form that formidable central pairing, combining aggression with composure to give Scaloni a backline that can compete with any attack in the world. The veteran Nicolas Otamendi remains a trusted option, though he has confirmed that this tournament will mark his international farewell.
Nahuel Molina arrives at the World Cup in excellent form for Atletico Madrid, while Gonzalo Montiel - remembered for slotting home the winning penalty in the 2022 final - and Nicolas Tagliafico provide vital depth and versatility. Among the youngsters, Valentin Barco, Julio Soler, and Mariano Troilo will all be pushing for inclusion. Juan Foyth, unfortunately, misses out entirely after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon.
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Cristian Romero | Tottenham Hotspur |
| Lisandro Martinez | Manchester United |
| Nicolas Otamendi | Benfica |
| Nahuel Molina | Atletico Madrid |
| Nicolas Tagliafico | Marseille |
| Gonzalo Montiel | Sevilla |
| Leonardo Balerdi | Marseille |
| Facundo Medina | Lens |
| Nehuen Perez | Porto |
| Marcos Acuna | River Plate |
| German Pezzella | River Plate |
| Valentin Barco | Strasbourg |
| Julio Soler | Bournemouth |
| Mariano Troilo | Belgrano |
Argentina FIFA World Cup 2026 Midfielders
Argentina's engine room is where their continuity is most evident. The core of Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, and Leandro Paredes were integral to the 2022 triumph, and all four remain central figures in Scaloni's plans heading into 2026.
However, the competition for places has never been more intense. Real Madrid's Franco Mastantuono and Manchester City's Claudio Echeverri have both caught the eye with their performances at club level and represent the exciting new wave pushing the established names. Thiago Almada, meanwhile, has thrived within Scaloni's system and could earn himself a significant role at the tournament.
The notable absentees are Giovani Lo Celso, ruled out with a torn quadriceps sustained during his loan spell at Villarreal, and Valentin Carboni, who has been sidelined by a serious knee injury.
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Alexis Mac Allister | Liverpool |
| Rodrigo De Paul | Atletico Madrid |
| Enzo Fernandez | Chelsea |
| Leandro Paredes | AS Roma |
| Thiago Almada | Lyon |
| Exequiel Palacios | Bayer Leverkusen |
| Franco Mastantuono | Real Madrid |
| Claudio Echeverri | Manchester City |
| Nicolas Paz | Como |
| Guido Rodriguez | West Ham United |
Argentina FIFA World Cup 2026 Attackers
If Argentina's defence is formidable and their midfield is deep, their attack is simply frightening. Lionel Messi, approaching 39 by the time the tournament kicks off, is expected to play in what will almost certainly be his final World Cup. Age has done little to diminish his genius - he continues to influence games at the highest level with Inter Miami, and his ability to conjure moments of brilliance from nothing remains unmatched.
Alongside him, Julian Alvarez has evolved into one of Europe's most feared strikers under Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid. Lautaro Martinez, meanwhile, arrives as the reigning Copa America top scorer - netting the winning goal in the 2024 final against Colombia - and has been in the form of his life for Inter Milan. Giuliano Simeone, the Atletico Madrid manager's son, has also forced his way into contention with a string of impressive performances.
The key absence here is Angel Di Maria, who retired from international football following the 2024 Copa America victory, bringing the curtain down on a legendary Albiceleste career. Joaquin Panichelli is also ruled out with a serious knee injury.
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | Inter Miami |
| Julian Alvarez | Atletico Madrid |
| Lautaro Martinez | Inter Milan |
| Paulo Dybala | AS Roma |
| Alejandro Garnacho | Manchester United |
| Nicolas Gonzalez | Juventus |
| Giuliano Simeone | Atletico Madrid |
| Angel Correa | Atletico Madrid |
| Matias Soule | AS Roma |
Argentina's Star Players to Watch at World Cup 2026
Lionel Messi needs no introduction, but his significance at this tournament transcends statistics. This is widely expected to be his last World Cup, and the football world will be watching every moment he graces the pitch.
Julian Alvarez carries enormous expectation on his shoulders as the heir apparent to Argentina's attacking legacy. His relentless pressing, clinical finishing, and big-game temperament make him one of the most complete forwards heading into the tournament.
Emiliano Martinez is more than just a goalkeeper - he is Argentina's psychological edge. In penalty shootouts, he is practically unbeatable, and his vocal presence organises a backline that concedes very little.
Rodrigo De Paul is the engine that makes this team tick. His box-to-box energy and leadership in the middle of the park were crucial in 2022, and he will be equally important in 2026.
Giuliano Simeone and Thiago Almada are the two wildcards - young, dynamic, and hungry to prove themselves on the grandest stage. With Di Maria gone, one or both could emerge as surprise packages of the tournament.
Predicted Argentina Starting XI for World Cup 2026
Scaloni's preference for a 4-3-3 system gives Argentina a perfect blend of defensive solidity and attacking fluidity. Martinez starts in goal without question. The back four picks itself - Molina and Tagliafico as fullbacks, with Romero and Lisandro Martinez at the heart of defence, and Otamendi offering experienced cover from the bench.
In midfield, De Paul and Mac Allister are nailed-on starters. The third spot is the most competitive area, with Enzo Fernandez - a key cog in the 2022 machine - appearing to have the edge over Almada for now.
Up front, Messi, Lautaro Martinez, and Julian Alvarez form what could be the most formidable attacking trio at the entire tournament.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, L. Martinez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Mac Allister, E. Fernandez; Messi, Lautaro, Alvarez
Argentina begin their title defence in Group J against Algeria, Austria, and Jordan
