Defending world champions Argentina have officially named their 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with coach Lionel Scaloni confirmi
Defending world champions Argentina have officially named their 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with coach Lionel Scaloni confirming the final roster ahead of the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The squad is headlined by captain Lionel Messi, who will eye a record-breaking sixth World Cup tournament appearance despite recent fitness concerns following a hamstring issue during an Inter Miami MLS clash.
Initial medical reports, however, suggested the injury was not serious, giving fans across the world a major sigh of relief.
Between the posts, Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez is expected to remain the first-choice goalkeeper, with Marseille’s Gerónimo Rulli serving as his experienced backup. Atlético Madrid’s Juan Musso also earns a place in the squad. In midfield and attack, Scaloni has maintained the core of the title-winning team from Qatar 2022, blending experience with emerging talent including Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez, and Giuliano Simeone.
Notable absentees include Angel Di María, who retired from international football after the 2024 Copa América triumph, and Marcos Acuña, who missed out due to fitness concerns. The biggest surprise, however, is the omission of Real Madrid teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono, with coach Scaloni reportedly communicating the decision to the youngster personally.
Rising talents such as Nico Paz, Thiago Almada, Valentin Barco, and Jose Manuel Lopez have earned their places after impressive club performances, signalling that Scaloni is beginning to blend the next generation into the national setup.
Argentina will open their Group J campaign against Algeria on June 16, before taking on Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 27. The Albiceleste enter the tournament among the clear favourites after a dominant qualifying campaign, and will be determined to make history by becoming the first team in decades to successfully defend the World Cup crown.
The squad in full…
Goalkeepers: Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa).
Defenders: Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Facundo Medina (Marseille), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid).
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (River Plate), Rodrigo de Paul (Inter Miami), Valentin Barco (Strasbourg), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Ezequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea).
Forwards: Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolás González (Atlético Madrid), Thiago Almada (Atlético Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid), Nico Paz (Como), José Manuel López (Palmeiras), Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan).
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