Defending champions Argentina have locked in their final 26-man roster for the upcoming World Cup, with talisman Lionel Messi officially set to spearhead the campaign across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The 38-year-old is poised to make history by appearing in his sixth World Cup tournament, extending his own national record. Head coach Lionel Scaloni has chosen continuity for this tournament, retaining the core that lifted the trophy in Qatar four years ago.
Familiar Faces and Key Returns
In total, 17 players from the 2022 championship squad are returning to the big stage. The heavy hitters include goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi, and the formidable midfield duo of Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister. Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez, and Lautaro Martinez also feature heavily in the squad depth.
While the core remains intact, the squad will feature a few notable absences. Veteran winger Angel Di Maria was not considered following his international retirement after the 2024 Copa America, while left-back Marcos Acuna missed out on selection due to ongoing fitness issues.
Meanwhile, midfielder Giovani Lo Celso makes a triumphant return to the World Cup stage. After a heartbreaking injury ruled him out of the 2022 tournament, Lo Celso has earned his spot for a second finals appearance, having previously travelled to Russia in 2018.
The Next Generation Steps Up
Scaloni has also used this roster selection to usher in the future of Argentine football, integrating several highly touted young prospects. Valentin Barco, Nicolas Paz, and Giuliano Simeone have all been included in the 26-man list to provide fresh energy.
Furthermore, forwards Jose Manuel Lopez and Thiago Almada are set to experience the tournament for the first time in their careers, rounding out a balanced attack.
Argentina will launch their Group J campaign on June 16 against Algeria, before concluding the group stage with fixtures against Jordan and Austria.
Argentina’s Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026
- Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso.
- Defenders: Leonardo Balerdi, Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolas Tagliafico, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Facundo Medina, Nahuel Molina.
- Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Valentin Barco, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez.
- Forwards: Julian Alvarez, Lionel Messi, Nicolas Gonzalez, Thiago Almada, Giuliano Simeone, Nicolas Paz, Jose Manuel Lopez, Lautaro Martinez.
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