All you need to know about Argentina's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Crowned champions of the world in 2022, Argentina will be defending their coveted title in the USA, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.
The Albiceleste defeated France in a thrilling final at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar to lift their third World Cup title, and their first since Diego Maradona’s iconic triumph in Mexico in 1986. Kylian Mbappe’s brilliant hat trick nearly stole the game from Lionel Scaloni’s side, but Emiliano Martinez’s heroics in the penalty shootout sealed the win for the men in blue and white for the crowning moment in Lionel Messi's illustrious career.
They comfortably secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup by topping the CONMEBOL qualifiers, beating arch-rivals Brazil both home and away along the way.
The Albiceleste are a force to be reckoned with, having won two Copa Americas and one World Cup in just four years. They will once again enter the tournament as one of the favorites, boasting quality players in every position — including the legendary Messi, who is set to play in his final World Cup. Despite his age, Messi continues to perform at a high level in MLS and remains capable of changing games single-handedly.
Ahead of the 2026 showpiece, GOAL takes a look at the possible squad that could travel to the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Barring any surprises, Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez is expected to start in goal for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. Martinez has played a crucial role in Argentina’s recent success, delivering match-winning performances in both their Copa America and World Cup triumphs. He is nearly unbeatable in penalty shootouts, using mind games that can shake even the best strikers at the biggest moments.
Geronimo Rulli of Marseille is expected to serve as the backup goalkeeper in the squad, with former PSV goalkeeper Walter Benitez likely to complete the group of goalkeepers, even if Juan Musso will not have given up hope of making it just yet.
Player
Club
Emiliano Martinez
Aston Villa
Geronimo Rulli
Marseille
Walter Benitez
Crystal Palace
Juan Musso
Atletico Madrid
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Defenders
The Argentines are well covered in the defensive department, with numerous quality options in every position. The center-back pairing of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez is arguably among the best in the world, with both players leading the backline and defending with aggression and composure.
Meanwhile, the experienced Nicolas Otamendi remains a reliable choice for Lionel Scaloni’s side as well, while World Cup-winning penalty scorer Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolas Tagliafico, and Atletico Madrid’s Nahuel Molina are strong options off the bench, providing valuable depth and flexibility in case of injuries.
Promising youngsters such as Valentin Barco, Julio Soler and Mariano Troilo will also be hoping to make the cut, but have their work cut out to break into the final roster.
Player
Club
Juan Foyth
Villarreal
Valentin Barco
Strasbourg
Facundo Medina
Lens
Leonardo Balerdi
Marseille
Cristian Romero
Tottenham Hotspur
Nahuel Molina
Atletico Madrid
Nicolas Otamendi
Benfica
Lisandro Martinez
Manchester United
Nicolas Tagliafico
Marseille
German Pezzella
River Plate
Gonzalo Montiel
Sevilla
Nehuen Perez
Porto
Marcos Acuna
River Plate
Mariano Troilo
Belgrano
Julio Soler
Bournemouth
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Midfielders
Alongside a strong defense, the Albiceleste are also well equipped in midfield. Scaloni will have a blend of experienced players and exciting young talents to choose from for the 2026 World Cup.
The likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, and Leandro Paredes played key roles in Argentina’s 2022 triumph and remain vital figures in the squad.
Emerging talents such as Franco Mastantuono and Claudio Echeverri have been performing brilliantly for their respective clubs and could offer fresh options for Scaloni heading into the tournament, while someone like Thiago Almada has also impressed in Scaloni’s system and could play a significant role to play at the World Cup next year.
Player
Club
Leandro Paredes
AS Roma
Rodrigo De Paul
Atletico Madrid
Enzo Fernandez
Chelsea
Thiago Almada
Lyon
Exequiel Palacios
Bayer Leverkusen
Nicolas Paz
Como
Franco Mastantuono
Real Madrid
Giovani Lo Celso
Real Betis
Alexis Mac Allister
Liverpool
Claudio Echeverri
Manchester City
Guido Rodriguez
West Ham United
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Attackers
Argentina are also well stacked in attack. In fact, it is in the attacking department where the Albiceleste are arguably at their strongest. Led by none other than Lionel Messi, fans will be hoping for yet another magical campaign from the legendary number 10.
Messi is well supported in attack by the likes of Julian Alvarez, who played a key role in the 2022 triumph, while Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez has also been at the peak of his game, playing an important role for both his club and the national team. Martinez was the top scorer of the 2024 Copa America, even netting the winner in the final against Colombia.
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone’s son, Giuliano Simeone, has also been impressive for the world champions and could emerge as a potential option to start at the World Cup.
They will be without the legendary Angel Di Maria though, who announced his retirement after their 2024 Copa America title victory.
