Argentina World Cup Squad for 2026

Last Updated on: 11th June 2026, 06:43 pm

Argentina arrives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as reigning champions, having memorably lifted the trophy in Qatar 2022 for the first time since 1986. Under coach Lionel Scaloni, La Albiceleste have become one of the most cohesive and tactically disciplined sides in world football, built around the genius of Lionel Messi in what will almost certainly be his final tournament.

At 38, Messi remains the best player on the planet according to many, and the supporting cast around him – including Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, and Enzo Fernández is formidable. Argentina is in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, and will be overwhelming favourites to advance. Defending a World Cup title is one of the hardest challenges in sport, but no team on paper is better equipped to do so.

Goalkeepers

Emiliano Martínez

Emiliano Martínez, known as “Dibu,” is a World Cup winner and a psychological force of nature between the posts for Argentina. The Aston Villa goalkeeper’s incredible performances in the penalty shootout against France in Qatar helped seal the 2022 title, and his eccentric, intimidating presence has become one of the defining images of modern goalkeeping.

Martínez is also an outstanding shot-stopper with exceptional reflexes and a commanding personality that galvanises those around him. He goes into this tournament as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

Gerónimo Rulli

Gerónimo Rulli is an experienced international goalkeeper who provides Argentina with dependable back-up to Martínez. The former Real Sociedad and Villarreal stopper has had a distinguished career in Europe and brings confidence and technical ability in sweeping behind the defence.

While he is unlikely to displace the first-choice Martínez, Rulli is more than capable of stepping in if required and provides Scaloni with a trusted and experienced second option between the posts.

Juan Musso

Juan Musso brings Atalanta’s winning DNA to Argentina’s goalkeeping setup as the third-choice stopper. The 31-year-old has been part of an exceptional Atalanta side in Serie A and was part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad, bringing vital tournament experience even if he is unlikely to feature unless injuries strike.

Musso is known for his shot-stopping ability and composure under pressure, traits that are always valuable to have in depth.

Defenders

Leonardo Balerdi

Leonardo Balerdi is a commanding and technically polished centre-back who has established himself as one of the finest defenders in Ligue 1 with Marseille. His calm, authoritative performances at the heart of the Marseille defence have drawn widespread admiration, and his ability to read the game and bring the ball out from the back fits perfectly with Argentina’s build-up play.

At 26, Balerdi is entering his prime years and will compete strongly for a starting spot alongside Cristian Romero or Lisandro Martínez.

Gonzalo Montiel

Gonzalo Montiel is a World Cup winner who scored the decisive penalty in the 2022 final shootout against France, a moment that will live forever in Argentine football history.

The right-back is known for his reliability, work rate, and ability to contribute going forward, and his experience at Sevilla and beyond has made him one of the most battle-hardened defenders in the squad. At 27, Montiel provides experienced cover for Nahuel Molina and remains an important part of the Argentina setup.

Nicolás Tagliafico

Nicolás Tagliafico is an experienced left-back who has been a consistent performer for Argentina over many years, combining tough defending with the ability to contribute creatively from deep.

The Olympique Lyonnais defender brings a competitive tenacity and versatility to the squad, and his experience in previous World Cups and Copa América campaigns makes him an invaluable member even as competition for the left-back position has grown. Tagliafico’s leadership qualities off the pitch are equally appreciated by the group.

Lisandro Martínez

Lisandro Martínez is one of the most ferocious, determined, and technically accomplished centre-backs in world football, having established himself as a cornerstone of Manchester United’s defence.

His aggressive pressing, commanding aerial presence, and left-footed ability to build from the back give Argentina a formidable option at the heart of their defence. In partnership with Cristian Romero, Martínez forms arguably the most intimidating centre-back pairing at this World Cup, and he is hungry to build on his already illustrious international record.

Cristian Romero

Cristian Romero is one of the most feared defenders in world football, combining elite physical attributes with an exceptional reading of the game and a relentless hunger to win every single duel.

The Tottenham Hotspur centre-back has proved himself at the very highest level and has been a key component of Argentina’s success in recent years, including the 2022 World Cup. His aggression, leadership, and ability to organise those around him make him the first name on the teamsheet in central defence.

Nicolás Otamendi

Nicolás Otamendi is one of the elder statesmen of this Argentina squad and a veteran World Cup performer whose experience, leadership, and still formidable defending ability make him an invaluable presence in Scaloni’s group.

The Benfica centre-back has been a stalwart of Argentine football for over a decade and brings an intensity and professionalism to the squad that sets an example for the younger players. While he may play a rotational role, Otamendi’s value to the collective cannot be overstated.

Facundo Medina

Facundo Medina is a solid, dependable centre-back who has established himself as a consistent performer in Ligue 1 with Lens before attracting bigger clubs.

His physical strength, aggression in the challenge, and composure in possession mark him out as a valuable squad option for Argentina, providing quality depth in central defence. At 25, the World Cup represents an important opportunity for Medina to showcase his abilities on the biggest stage and cement his long-term place in the national team.

Nahuel Molina

Nahuel Molina is a dynamic and attack-minded right-back who has become one of the most important players in Argentina’s system at Atlético Madrid.

His pace, technical quality, and excellent delivery from wide positions give Argentina a genuine attacking threat from the flank, and his combination play with Lionel Messi has been electric at international level. Molina’s energy up and down the right side is a vital component of how Argentina function offensively.

Midfielders

Leandro Paredes

Leandro Paredes is a disciplined and technically assured central midfielder who provides Argentina with balance and composure in the middle of the park.

The Roma playmaker uses the ball intelligently, breaks up play with timely interceptions, and distributes simply and effectively. While his role may be contested by younger players, Paredes’s World Cup-winning experience makes him an invaluable presence in the squad.

Rodrigo De Paul

Rodrigo De Paul is one of the most dynamic and hardworking midfielders in international football and has been the engine room of Argentina’s midfield for years.

The Atlético Madrid star’s intensity, work rate, and ability to win the ball before driving forward with purpose make him indispensable to the national team’s structure. His partnership with Messi has been particularly fruitful, helping Argentina transition effectively from defence to attack.

Alexis Mac Allister

Alexis Mac Allister is one of the finest midfielders in the world, having established himself as a key player for Liverpool.

The versatile midfielder brings energy, creativity, excellent pressing ability, and a genuine goal threat from midfield. Mac Allister’s ability to cover ground, win possession, and create chances makes him one of the first names on Scaloni’s teamsheet.

Enzo Fernández

Enzo Fernández is one of the most complete midfielders in world football and a key figure in Argentina’s plans.

The Chelsea midfielder won the FIFA Best Young Player award after his displays at the 2022 World Cup and has continued to develop into a powerful, driving central midfielder with exceptional technical quality. His ability to control the tempo, press high, and produce moments of quality in the final third makes him a genuinely world-class player.

Forwards

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is, at 38 years old, attending his sixth and almost certainly final FIFA World Cup and does so as the reigning champion and the greatest player to ever play the game in the eyes of millions.

His technical mastery, footballing intelligence, ability to produce the extraordinary in the most important moments, and unmatched international record make him the single most important player in this Argentina squad. Even in the later stages of his career, Messi remains one of the most dangerous players in world football.

Julián Álvarez

Julián Álvarez is the perfect modern centre-forward – tireless, technical, physically strong, and ruthlessly clinical in front of goal.

The Atlético Madrid striker has already shown his World Cup pedigree with four goals in Qatar 2022, and his development since then has been remarkable. His combination play with Messi is electrifying, and his ability to score all types of goals makes him one of the most complete attackers at this tournament.

Lautaro Martínez

Lautaro Martínez is one of the most feared strikers in Europe after a succession of prolific seasons at Inter Milan.

His explosive pace off the mark, powerful finishing with both feet, and hunger to press defenders make him an exhausting opponent for any backline. The 27-year-old is in the prime of his career and forms a devastating attacking partnership with Álvarez.

Nicolás González

Nicolás González is a versatile and physically powerful forward who can operate across the front line, bringing directness, strength, and a goal threat from wide or central areas.

The Juventus forward’s athleticism and ability to hold the ball up give Argentina different tactical options in attack. González provides Scaloni with an important squad option capable of coming off the bench and making an immediate impact.

Giuliano Simeone

Giuliano Simeone, son of Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone, is a young, pacy wide forward who has impressed at club level in Spain and earned his place in the Argentina squad on merit.

His direct running, energy, and natural instinct for goals make him an exciting addition to the squad, and he brings fresh attacking options from wide areas. This World Cup represents a huge opportunity for the young forward to showcase his talents on football’s biggest stage.

Argentina Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez

Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico

Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister

Forwards: Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez

Can Argentina Win the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Argentina possesses a perfect blend of experience, tactical discipline, and world-class talent. With Lionel Messi potentially playing his final World Cup, motivation will be at an all-time high. Combined with a strong defensive core, elite midfield options, and one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacks, La Albiceleste have every chance of becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend a World Cup title.

Final Words: Argentina World Cup Squad

Argentina enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup as defending champions and one of the strongest teams in international football. With Lionel Messi leading a talented squad featuring Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, Enzo Fernández, and Alexis Mac Allister, La Albiceleste possesses the experience, quality, and winning mentality needed to challenge for another title. As they aim to defend their crown, Argentina will once again be among the favorites to lift the FIFA World Cup trophy and continue their remarkable era under Lionel Scaloni.

FAQs:

Has the Portugal Squad been Announced?

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, Portugal has officially announced their squad, featuring 26 players selected by Roberto Martínez and led by captain Cristiano Ronaldo.