Argentina squad for the 2026 World Cup

Ashley Davis2 weeks ago

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Article by Maria Olteanu – Published Friday, 29 May 2026, 08:44 / Updated Friday, 29 May 2026 08:45

The reigning world champion revealed her “weapons” to defend the trophy she won 4 years ago in Qatar. Argentine announced the 2026 World Cup squad overnight and, as expected, Lionel Messi and Nicolás Otamendi are again present on the list of the selector Lionel Scaloni, which includes 26 names. The “Albiceleste” national team arrives at the tournament as one of the big favorites to win the trophy, after the performance of the previous edition.

At 38, Messi is preparing for what could be the last World Cup of his career, continuing to be the great reference of the Argentine national team, for the 6th time in a final tournament of such level. Before the selection, his presence was uncertaindue to an injury, but it seems that everything is fine and that by the start time of the competition the captain will be fit.

In turn, Otamendi is also on Scaloni's list and should once again play an important role in the defensive axis despite stiff competition.

Among the goalkeepers, there was no way to miss Emiliano Martínez, the hero of the victory in 2022. In midfield, Argentina keep the world champion base practically intact, with Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister, De Paul, Paredes and Lo Celso, alongside youngsters such as Barco and Nico Paz.

In attack, besides Messi, there will be Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez, two of the main offensive figures of the new Argentine generation.

Argentina squad for the 2026 World Cup

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille), Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid)
defense: Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Cristian Romero (Tottenhman), Facundo Medina (Marseille), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon)
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Rodrigo De Paul – (Inter Miami), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Giovani Lo Celso (Betis Sevilla), Valentin Barco (RC Strasbourg)
Strikers: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolas Paz (Como), Thiago Almada (Atletico Madrid), Nicolas Gonzalez (Atletico Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid)

At the final tournament, Argentina will debut on June 16, against Algeria. The world champion will play in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria (June 22) and Jordan (June 27).