Argentina’s national team manager Lionel Scaloni announced the squad for the 2026 World Cup, which is set to take place in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
The squad includes 26 footballers, including the national team’s captain Lionel Messi, marking the sixth participation in the World Cup in the 38-year-old forward’s career.
Scaloni retained the majority of the championship core, including Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Lautaro Martínez, and Julián Álvarez. At the same time, Ángel Di María, who retired from international football after the 2024 Copa América, is absent from the squad.
Argentina’s 2026 World Cup squad
- Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), Gerónimo Rulli (Marseille) and Juan Musso (Atlético Madrid).
- Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Nahuel Molina (Atlético Madrid), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United), Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon) and Facundo Medina (Marseille).
- Midfielders: Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) and Valentín Barco (Strasbourg).
- Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolás González (Atlético Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid), Lautaro Martínez (Inter), José Manuel López (Palmeiras), Julián Alvarez (Atlético Madrid), Thiago Almada (Atlético Madrid) and Nico Paz (Como).
Argentina’s opponents
Argentina will compete in Group J. The national team will face Algeria, Austria and Jordan. The reigning world champions will begin the tournament against Algeria in Kansas City. They will then face Austria in Dallas and conclude the group stage against Jordan.
